KASHMIR SEMINAR SCHEDULED IN PUNE POSTPONED, AMID PROTEST

Srinagar Jan 31 (Only Kashmir): A university in western India has postponed a seminar on Kashmir after Hindu groups objected to its "anti-nationalist" programme.
The Symbiosis University in the city of Pune also cancelled the screening of a controversial film on the Indian army's role in Kashmir.
University authorities say they will "revisit and rethink" the seminar programme to make it "more balanced".
Kashmir is divided into Pakistani- and Indian-administered areas.
Both nations claiming the region in its entirety. They have fought two of their three wars since 1947 over Kashmir.
The development also comes in the wake of an intensified debate in India over free speech.
A spokesman for the Symbiosis University told the Media that the three-day seminar, Voices of Kashmir, which was scheduled to begin on Friday, was being postponed.
He said the seminar was intended to be an "apolitical and academic event", without hurting anybody's sentiments.
Reports say that representatives of the student wing of the Hindu nationalist BJP, and another Hindu group, met college authorities and protested against the screening of a documentary film by filmmaker Sanjay Kak that is critical of the army's role in Indian-administered Kashmir.
"We submitted a memorandum to the college authorities against offering a platform to anti-national elements at the seminar and they told us that the seminar would be postponed," a spokesman for the student wing told the Media.

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5-DAY STATE YOUNG ARTISTS COMPETITION STARTED

Jammu, Jan 31 (Only Kashmir): Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora today inaugurated 5-day State Young Artists Painting Competition, organized by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, here at Kalakendera.
Minister of State for Home, Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Mr. Attul Duloo, Additional Secretaries and other senior officers of the Academy were also present on the occasion.
Talking to the media persons, on the sidelines of the function, Mr. Jora said that holding of such events are aimed at to exploit the hidden talent of budding artists of the State. He said Academy has taken several initiatives to promote art of painting in the State, adding more such competitions would be organized at district levels also.
The Minister said that holding of painting camps will provide opportunity to artists, coming from different areas of the State, including Ladakh, to interact with each other and share their experience. He asked artists to hone their skills in order to prove their metal at national level competitions.

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APSCC WELCOMES SC'S ORDER IN KILLING OF 36 SIKHS IN PATHRIBAL

Srinagar, Jan 31 (Only Kashmir) : Welcoming the Supreme Court (SC) order on killing of five civilians in alleged fake encounter at Pathribal, the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) today demanded a thorough probe into the killings of 36 members of the Sikh community at Chattisingpora in South Kashmir.
'We welcome the Supreme Court order, condemning the Pathribal incident in which five locals were shot dead and later labelled as foreign militants in March 2000,' APSCC chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said here.
He said, leaders of various sikh bodies has demanded that all those responsible for the killings should be charge sheeted and brought to book.
At the same time, the APSCC urged the Supreme Court to direct the authorities to conduct a time bound inquiry into the killing of 36 Sikhs at Chattisinghpora few days before the 'fake encounter' of Pathribal.
He said many inquiries ordered by the government and security agencies failed to reveal who was behind the killings of Sikhs. A fresh inquiry under the supervision of Supreme Court will help to bring the culprits to book, he added.
He appealed to Justices B S Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar to order a fresh probe into both these incidents, so that truth can be revealed and actual culprits brought to book.
He further urged if Chattisinghpora case is solved, the other cases related to it will be automatically solved.
He also demanded 'National Victim Status' for the families of 36 Sikhs killed at Chattisinghpora, as they, despite all this, not only stayed back in valley but also strengthened the communal harmony in Valley.
After twelve years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Sikhs of the valley are still waiting for the justice and urged the State and Central governments to nab the culprits of Chattisinghpora massacre.
Unidentified gunmen in the dead of night, entered a quiet village of Chattisinghpora in district Anantanag, Kashmir and massacred 36 innocent sikhs.
He said a drama was staged and five civilians were killed and later burnt, who were labelled as foreign militants, to close the case.

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GEELANI OPPOSES FATWA TO EXPEL CHRISTIAN PRIESTS

Srinagar, Jan 31 (Only Kashmir): Senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani Tuesday locked horns with the local Sharia board over a fatwa seeking expulsion of four Christian priests from the Kashmir Valley.

Geelani, a Hurriyat leader, said in a statement from New Delhi: “Muslims should protect their religion themselves. Expelling somebody from Kashmir is no solution.

“Kashmiris cannot ignore the contributions of Christian missionary schools towards the educational system in the Valley.

“Unfortunately, Muslims have not been able to build an educational institution like those by the Christian missionary schools despite all available resources."

The local Sharia court had Jan 19 issued a decree seeking the expulsion of four priests from the state who were allegedly involved in converting some local youth to Christianity through financial allurement.

The decree had also demanded that a prayer written by Urdu poet Iqbal should be compulsorily recited at the morning assemblies by all Christian missionary schools in the Valley. (OK)

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GHULAM NABI KHAYAL BAGS BEST BOOK AWARD-2011 FOR LEAVES OF CHINAR

Jammu Jan 30 (Only Kashmir): Renowned poet, writer, researcher, critic and senior journalist of the State, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, is among some literary and cultural personalities of J&K selected for the Best Book Award and other honours by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and languages for the year 2011.
Mr Khayal was given the award for his English publication Leaves of Chinar, a unique collection of research-based articles pertaining to the culture, literatures, folklore, mythology, history, tradition and heritage of Kashmir. Mr Khayal has already been given the Academy Award (1974), Sahitya Akademi award (1975) and more than one dozen awards for his meritorious contribution in the fields of literature and journalism covering about six decades.
The best book awards are given each year to the selected books recommended by a panel of experts for ten languages recognized in the State Constitution. The languages and dialects are Kashmiri, Urdu, English, Dogri, Punjabi, Ladakhi, Pahari, Gojri, Shina and Balti.
These prestigious awards, each carrying cash of Rs 51,000, a memento, citation and a shawl were given away by Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, at an impressive function held here Monday, 30 January.
Senior Dogri writer and filmmaker Ved Rahi has been selected for life time achievement award carrying cash of Rs 100.000, citation and a shawl.
Several more awards were given to persons belonging to the fields of music, media, fine arts, media and social services.
Following are some of the awardees:
Om Goswami (Dogri writer), Deepali Wattal (Singer), Ghulam Nabi Bulbul (Singer), Triloke Kaul (artist), Nazir A Mir (craftsman), Manzoor Ahmad ( Naqshgeer), Ashok Jailkhani (media), Bashir Manzar (media), and others. (OK)

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GOVERNMENT TO REVOKE HISTORICAL JAMIA MASJID SRINAGAR

Srinagar Jan 27 (Only Kashmir): Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Samoon on Friday in a meeting announced that the work on the Rs.5 crore Beautification project of historical Jamia Masjid Corridor is likely to be started from April,2012.He hoped, by March this year, the project will get approval from Government of India. He said by execution of this project, it will not only restore the past glory of the Historical Jamia Masjid but will also promote more pilgrimage tourism including commercial activities in the area and will strength the economy of the locals .He said the Srinagar city has a tremendous potential of pilgrimage tourism and the government is making all efforts to promote pilgrimage tourism in whole Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by, among others, District Development Commissioner Srinagar, Director Tourism, Director SKICC, Chief Engineer of R&B, Chief Engineer PDD, Director Floriculture and the representatives of Jamia Masjid Traders Federation.
On the occasion, the representatives of Jamia Masjid Market Federation gave full assurance to the Divisional Administration for supporting in implementation of the said project in letter and spirit. They said by execution of this project, will add more grace in the historical importance of the Jamia Masjid and the locals particularly the shopkeepers will be benefited.
Dr. Samoon said that the Historical Jamia Masjid is our identity, century old heritage and it is the responsibilities of all the sections of the society and all walks of life to fully support in implementation of the project.(OK)

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DUKHTRAN MILAT LEADER ASIA ANDRABI SLAMS PAKISTAN GOVERNMENT OVER THE ISSUE OF AAFIA SIDDIQUI

Srinagar, Jan 27 (Only Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir's women separatist outfit, Dukhtran Milat protested on Friday to sought the release of Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui who is jailed in America.
The members of the separatist outfit demonstrated in Srinagar where they shouted slogans against America and expressed solidarity with Siddiqui.
Siddiqui was arrested by American intelligence authorities in 2008 for allegedly being one of the key conspirators in the 9/11 attacks in New York.
She has been kept in various jails in America since then and there were reports of her being physically tortured.
While alleging the charges levelled against her as baseless, the protesting outfit's leader Asiya Andrabi said injustice meted out to her was intolerable.
"Aafia Siddiqui is a symbol of strength and resistance for us. We gathered here today to express solidarity with her. In the American jails, after severe torture, Aafia Siddiqui has contracted cancer. She has also been sexually assaulted and as a result of which Aafia is now pregnant in an American jail. Nobody can bear this kind of injustice," said Andrabi.
Andrabi also slammed the Pakistani government for their failure to take any action in the case.
"Even if they don't release her, she should be put in a Pakistani jail so that she can atleast meet her children. She is a sick woman and she needs to be near her dear ones in such a condition. It is our request to Pakistan's government, clergy and the people should come forward for the rescue of Aafia," she added.
An American court recently pronounced a verdict in which it had sentenced Siddiqui to 86 years of imprisonment and she was also named in the list of the FBI's most wanted militants. (OK)

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I WILL DEDICATE NEXT 3 YEARS TO INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT: OMAR ABDULLAH

Jammu Jan 25 (Only Kashmir):– Giving credit to people of the State for their valuable contribution in making 2011 year of peace and development, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has sought their unabated support to his government in its efforts of realizing prosperous, tranquil and model Jammu and Kashmir.
In his Republic Day address to the people from Doordarshan and Radio Kashmir, the Chief Minister said that considerable headway was achieved on the fronts of – restoration of peace and curbing corruption – identified by him as focal points of target for the year 2011.
“I had asked you to give me a year of peace I will empower you and accelerate the pace of development”, he said and referred to the conduct of free and fair panchayat elections and enactment and implementation of Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA).
“My government conducted free and fair panchayat elections and transferred financial as well as administrative powers to these democratically elected grass root institutions involving these in process of planning and development”, he said adding that services of about 14 departments have been transferred to the panchayats. He said that the government has also ordered financial support of Rs. One lakh to each panchayat institution for undertaking smaller works in the panchayat halqa. He said that the election to the Urban Local Body institutions would be held in March-April.
The Chief Minister said that one of the biggest achievements of his government is the enactment and implementation of Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) making Jammu and Kashmir one among the first few States to have such an vibrant public service delivery guarantee legislation in place. He said the Act has not only made government functionaries in 6 departments of Power, Water Supply, Housing, Transport, Revenue and Consumers Affairs and Pubic Distribution legally bound to provide the identified services to people within the prescribed time frame but also provided for punishing the erring officials for any laxity, delay or failure in providing the service within the period prescribed under the Act.
“My government has constituted State Information Commission and placed its head and members to make all government departments answerable for their every activity before the people. By this initiative my government has given power to the voice of people and made officers and functionaries of government departments answerable before common man. This has helped to make transparency and accountability to rule the roost in government functioning”, he said adding that reconstitution of State Accountability Commission and enactment of Vigilance Act were other important measures to restrict corruption and empower general public to get answers of their queries from the government functionaries.(OK)

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GAWKADAL MASSACRE WAS A WELL THOUGHT PLAN OF INDIA: ER HILAL WAR

Srinagar, Jan 21 (Only Kashmir): Business and other activities were affected in parts of the Civil Lines in Srinagar today.

The strike call was given by PPP Chairman Er Hilal Ahmad War and was supported by Syed Ali Shah Geelani & Shabir Shah to remember 52 people who were killed allegedly after security forces opened fire to disperse separatist procession at Gaw Kadal near here on January 21, 1990.

Shops and business establishments in Maisuma, Gaw Kadal, Madina Chowk, Red Cross Road, Exchange Road and Haji Masjid remained closed.

PPP Chief Er Hilal War took out a procession in which hundreds of PPP supports took part in historical Maisuma Bazar. They were protesting against massacre and were Carrying banners reading as, “Punish the Killers of Gawkadal Massacre”, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”. The youngsters were Chanting slogans in favour of (Azaadi) Freedom of Kashmir and against military occupation of India.

However, life was normal in nearby historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the city, Badshah Chowk and Moulana Azad road with all shops functioning and traffic plying.

While paying the homage to Gawkadal Martyrs in the rally, Mr. War said, “The Gawkadal Massacre was a well thought plan of the then Home Ministry of India which was aimed at to pave the way for Kashmiri Pandit’s exodus from Kashmir”. It is pertinent to mention here that the conspiracy of Kashmiri Pandits exodus was hatched by the then Governor of J & K, Mr. Jagmohan in collaboration with Home Ministry of India. The Home Ministry of India was then headed by PDP Chief Patron, Mufti Muhammad Sayed who claims to be the well wisher of oppressed Kashmiris.

Additional security forces and state police personnel had been deployed in the area to prevent any law and order problem. However, some people made attempt to take out a procession from Maisuma, which was foiled by the police. (OK)

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PAKISTAN PM APPEARS IN COURT

Islamabad Jan 19 (Only Kashmir): The Pakistani Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned until next month its hearing over the contempt notice that it issued to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for not reopening lingering corruption cases against President Asif Ali Zardari and other officials.

The move came after Gilani's lawyer asked for more time to look through records pertaining to the case.

Gilani, who will not have to appear at the next hearing on February 1, left the packed court room following the adjournment. Members of the cabinet and the leaders of allied political parties had joined him in court.

His appearance at the hearing comes after weeks of political turbulence in Pakistan that has strained relations between the country's civilian and military leaders.

The corruption cases stem from money-laundering charges against Zardari and his late wife and former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto. A Swiss court convicted them in absentia in 2003 of laundering millions of dollars.

After a controversial amnesty was granted in 2007 by then-President Pervez Musharraf to Zardari, Bhutto and thousands of other politicians and bureaucrats, the Pakistani government asked Swiss authorities to drop the case.

In 2009, the Pakistani Supreme Court ruled the amnesty was unconstitutional and called on the government to take steps to have the cases reopened, including Zardari's. The government has not done so, and the court has apparently lost patience.

Since Gilani is the head of the government, the court justices view him as responsible and want him to explain why the government has not followed the court's order. Hence the contempt notice and summons that it issued to Gilani this week.

On Thursday, Gilani told the court that he considered Zardari to be exempt from prosecution.

"We have the height of respect for the judiciary, but there is full immunity for the president -- not only in Pakistan but in the entire world, too," he said.

That stance did not appear to satisfy the judges, and the likely outcome of the process remains unclear.

If Gilani apologizes and convinces the court that the government will follow its orders, the court could withdraw the contempt of court notice.

Reasons why Pakistan won't see a coup

If the court is not satisfied with Gilani's answer, it will formulate contempt charges against him and present them at a later date.

"If the court concludes that he's in contempt, then they can take action against him," said Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui, a former chief justice of Pakistan. "The maximum sentence is six months in prison."

Gilani could go to prison, if convicted, but would not necessarily lose his premiership.

Pakistani law says that after a contempt of court conviction, the court sends a notice to the speaker of the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament. The speaker has 30 days to forward the notice to the Election Board, which has 90 days to decide if Gilani is disqualified as a member of Parliament and therefore disqualified as prime minister.

Aitzaz Ahsan, Gilani's lawyer, has expressed confidence his client will be cleared.

"The prime minister will survive," Ahsan said Wednesday night on GEO-TV, a Pakistani news channel. "There will be no storm."

Ahsan is one of the most prominent and widely respected lawyers in Pakistan. He led the so-called "lawyer's movement," an uprising in 2008 that helped bring about the reinstatement of the current Pakistani chief justice, Iftikhar Muahmmad Chaudhry, and dozens of other judges who were sacked by Musharraf in 2007.

Analysts said they believe Ahsan carries considerable influence in the Supreme Court because of his efforts to restore Pakistan's judiciary.

Ahsan said Gilani would appeal if convicted.

The court hearing comes after a weeks of public speculation and political intrigue about the possibility of a military coup in Pakistan.

Military and civilian leaders held meetings over the weekend in an effort to defuse tensions. And the National Assembly passed a resolution Monday supporting the country's democratic system.

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LIFE REMAINS CRIPPLED IN KASHMIR DUE TO SNOW, COLD CONDITIONS

Srinagar, Jan 17 (Only Kashmir): Life remained affected in the Kashmir valley, including Srinagar, the summer capital of the state, where people are facing acute shortage of water, because of frozen taps, and cooking gas, with slippery road conditions adding to their woes.
Life was thrown out of gear after the first heavy snowfall on January 7 which snapped electricity for about a 4 days after all transmission lines, importing power to Kashmir, were damaged at several places in Pirpanchal and Ramban areas.
However, after three days the power supply was partially restored to main towns while the far-flung areas continued to face darkness.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is also blocked, resulting in shortage of essentials, particularly LPG gas cylinders. Internet service is also effected.

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‘WE APPRECIATE POSITIVE CRITICISM BY MIRWAIZ’ : SAGAR

Srinagar, Jan 14 (Only Kashmir): A day after Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Fariooq, accused Omar Abdullah government of failing to provide basic amenities to people in harsh winter, Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, Saturday said government would welcome any criticism which would for benefit of people.

Sagar said, “His (Mirwaiz’s) criticism is in positive direction and we welcome positive criticism. There can be some administrative problems but if someone can point it out, we will appreciate him. Whether it is Mirwaiz or some one else if it is in the interests of people we will welcome it.”

He said that immediately after Mirwaiz’s statement, Minister for CAPD took stock of the situation.

“There is no shortage of essential commodities in the Valley. If there is any complaint of shortage people should bring it into the notice of concerned authorities and there grievances would be solved immediately,” Sagar told Media

The Minister said that Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, has given strict instructions that problems of the people should be solved on priority basis.

Meanwhile, Sagar suspended BDO Pampore, Junior Engineer and two VLWs on complaints of embezzlement.

He also sought an explanation from Director Rural Development for failing to monitor the situation in Pampore.(OK)

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT RECEIVING EQUAL FOCUS: OMAR INAUGURATES JK CSWB OFFICE

Only Kashmir Jan 14 (Only Kashmir) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday inaugurated the new Office Complex of J&K State Social Welfare Board at Pragati Bhawan here. He also inaugurated electronic- APPLICATION FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ACTION by NGOs (e-AWEDAN).

Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, Chairperson Centre Social Welfare Board (CSWB), Prema Caraippa, Advisor to the Chief Minister Mubarak Gul, Chairperson Social Welfare Board, Khem Lata Vakloo, Vice Chairman Kissan Board, Rachpal Singh, Vice Chairman OBC, Kuldeep Verma, Vice Chairman Pehari Welfare Board, Mustaq Ahmed Bukhari were present on the occasion among others.

Omar Abdullah had online interaction with the functionaries of Centre Social Welfare Board New Delhi. He was given brief about the functioning of e-AWEDAN by the officials of CSWB through video conferencing.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that State government has initiated an ambitious strategy of public empowerment adding that the empowerment of women constitutes its important part. He said that government is committed to ameliorate the lot of women and weaker sections of the society.

The Chief Minister said that state sponsored and centrally assisted schemes are under implementation in the state in social welfare sector to provide various assistances and financial help to poor, needy and economically backward sections of the society.

Omar laid stress on putting missionary zeal in implementing welfare schemes aimed at all-round socio economic development and rehabilitation of destitute, orphans, needy and weaker sections of the society. He said added efforts are required to pull these sections above poverty and bring them at par with others.

The Chairperson CSWB presented resume of the functioning and programmes of CSWB in the state. She also spoke in detailed about e-AWEDAN.

The matters pertaining to the development of women and children in the state were discussed by the J&K State Social Welfare Board Chairperson Khem Lata Vakloo, who also talked about the special package announced by the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for the state.

The Minister for Social Welfare said that the matter of special package has been taken up with the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and it will be further persuaded for sanction.

The Chief Minister also interacted with various beneficiaries, VOs and NGOs on the occasion.

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KASHMIRI KOLAVARI

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JK CABINET PASSES DRUG POLICY

Jammu, Jan 12 (Only Kashmir): The State Cabinet which met here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah approved the J&K State Drug Policy.
Explaining the salient features of the policy, Health Minister Mr. Sham Lal Sharma said that the Drug Policy would help to ensure balanced growth of health sector in the State. It would also rationalize the use of drugs. He said that the features of drug policy include selection of essential drug list by expert committee to be known as State Drug Committee.
The Committee will comprise clinicians, Micro-biologists, qualified Pharmacists and independent experts besides senior functionaries of the departments. He said for Indian System of Medicines (ISM) there will be a separate committee.
Health Minister said that the policy has been formulated under the directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is keen to upgrade the health care status of Jammu and Kashmir and universalize the quality health session across the State.
Sham Lal Sharma said that drug policy also envisages rationalizing number of drug licenses only drug listed in EDL shall be procured and the qualification of drugs would be done, taking into consideration the parameters of demand, lead time, transportation and emergency needs. He said an appropriate inventory control system to prevent excessive stocking of items and also present stock outlets has also been taken care of in the Drug Policy which also takes care of proper recall and disposal procedures followed as per standard guidelines. He said that the policy also envisages strengthening of Drug and Food Control Organization and Drug Testing Laboratories. It also provides for promoting rational use of drugs in the State so that patients receive the medicines appropriately. It also provides for drugs and therapeutic committees in all the hospitals. He said the concept of essential drugs, rational drug use and generic prescribing shall be integral part of basic and in-service training of health professionals under the policy.
He said Drug Information Centre would be established in the State to provide appropriate drug information. (OK)

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NHPC WAS NEVER GIVEN OWNERSHIP OF ANY POWER PROJECT IN JK: TAJ MOHI UD DIN

Jammu Jan 10 (Only Kashmir): “The NHPC in J&K was never given ownership of power projects as per the provisions of law except their execution, operation and maintenance. Even the agency status given to the corporation expired in 1987. Therefore, these projects actually belong to the State. However, a cabinet subcommittee has recommended for payment to the corporation for taking over Uri and Salal projects which will enable J&K to become not only self sufficient in power but also export it to other States and strengthen our economy to stand on our own legs,” said Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi ud Din today.
Delivering the key note address at a national seminar, ‘Management of Water Resources in North India’, at Jammu University this morning, the Minister said the agreements J&K government signed with the centre from time to time gave the corporation rights to the extent of execution, operation and maintenance of power projects in the State but not the ownership rights.
The Minister said the government has constituted a cabinet subcommittee which is examining the issue. He said the Government intends to buy back Uri and Salal hydel projects on the depreciated value which can make J&K a surplus in power generation.
Giving a resume of activities undertaken by his Departments to consolidate water resources in J&K, Mr. Taj enumerated several steps taken on this count. He said for the first time in 60 years a legislation (J&K Water Resources Act-2010) was passed aimed at consolidating water resources in J&K. He said more than Rs. 900 crore would be realized as water usage charges this year which forms 30% of State’s total revenue.
The Minister said the Government has initiated the process to construct the remaining portion of Ravi canal in Kathua district which would irrigate more than 1.33 lakh acres in three districts and help add 2.66 lakh metric tons to the existing food grain production.
Director, Information & Public Relations, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah, in his speech said that the Jammu and Kashmir has huge water resources and these are needed to be utilized fully for the benefit of the people of the State. He hoped that J&K would soon become a power rich state from the present power deficit State. He said the present debate over water resources of the State has received tremendous response from the people of the State.
Later, a brain storming question answer session was held in which Tejwant Singh Reen and other eminent persons participated.
Minister for PHE Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din replied to the queries.

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GOVERNOR FOR INVOLVING STUDENTS, NGOS IN ENHANCING AWARENESS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

Jammu, Jan 4 (Only Kashmir): Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, today emphasized the importance of involving students and NGOs to organize painting and essay writing competitions and other relevant programmes in educational institutions to generate greater awareness about the impact of Climate Change.

The Governor said this after interacting with Miss Shreya Bharti, 11th class student of Heritage School, Sainik Colony, Jammu, who called on him after participating at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held at Durban in South Africa from 28th November to 9th December, 2011. She was among the four Eco-Club students selected to represent the country at this Conference as part of the official Indian delegation. Shreya was accompanied by Dr. C. M. Seth, Chairperson, World Wide Fund for Nature, India (J&K Chapter) and Ms. Subeena Dogra, her Eco-Teacher.
The Governor observed that Climate Change shall affect all forms of life, fauna and flora and cause wide-ranging adverse consequences on varied fronts. Off season rains and snows shall impact on the traditional cropping patterns. We should commence preparation to meet all arising challenges, he said.
Describing students as future leaders, he said that their involvement in awareness generation campaigns can make a significant difference on the way we look at various issues. He said that essays, articles and other write-ups of students, in different languages, could be published in journals and newspapers to disseminate awareness about Climate Change. He said that the Universities of the State would do well to think of launching some pilot projects on issues relating to Climatic Change, particularly in view of J&K having three distinct agro-climatic zones.
The Governor said that the participation of students from Jammu and Kashmir in such international conferences can inspire children in other States to also take part in such activities. He presented a gift to Shreya and wished her a bright future ahead.
Sharing her experiences with the Governor about her participation in the Durban Conference, Shreya said that she participated in group discussions, youth meets and several other events associated with the Conference.(OK)

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ESTABLISHMENT OF KASHMIR PRESS CLUB

Srinagar Jan 03 (Only Kashmir): An initiative and a step forward in the fourth estate of democracy. It is for the first time in the history of Kashmir that some people from journalist fraternity made certain efforts for the establishment of press club in Kashmir province under the name of Kashmir Press Club which was the long pending demand of the whole fraternity and is registered with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. The founders of the said club succeeded to get the club affiliated with Indraprastha press club of India after convincing them regarding the importance of establishment of a press club which is the need of an hour. The proposed club aims to work for the welfare of journalist fraternity in co-ordination with Indraprastha press club of India which is recognized by the Government of India and works for the all-round development and welfare of media persons throughout the country. Mr. Rasheed Rahi from the Kashmir province has been given the responsibility to head the Kashmir Press Club who shall be assisted by some co- convenors namely Mr. Nazir Ahmad Wani, Mr.Rashid Rahil, Mr. Basharat Nazir Zargar, Mr. Arshid Rasool, Mr. Nazir Makhdoomi, Dr. Rafi Ahmad and Feroz Ali till election for the office bearer is coducted. It is to be noted that the governing body of the club shall be elected purely on the basis of election by the members of the club. In the first instance the location of Kashmir press Club shall be at A.P.I. House Gojwara Srinagar. The press club has initiated the membership drive and hope for a positive respond from the media fraternity. (OK)

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