BILAWAL BHUTTO LIKELY TO ARRIVE IN MAISUMA SRINAGAR

Srinagar April 28 (Only Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Political Party Chairman, Engineer Hilal Ahmad War has invited Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto on his wedding that falls on May 13, 2012 at War’s ancestral residence, in historic Maisuma locality. War, who is also the Chief Patron of Bhutto Memorial Trust sent an invitation card, to Bilawal requesting   him to grace the occasion.

 “Bilawal is scion of a family that has played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Pakistan and making it a Nuclear Power. Late Z.A. Bhutto was my role model and political mentor and Bilawal’s presence at my wedding would give me a feeling that late Z.A. Bhutto’s blessings are with me”, said an Hilal War while speaking to Only Kashmir.

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INDO-PAK RELATIONS HAVE DIRECT BEARING ON J&K: OMAR

Darhal (Rajouri), April 25 (Only Kashmir) – Stating that Indo-Pak relations have direct bearing on the peace and development of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday expressed the hope that the restoration of dialogue process between the two countries would be carried on to the logical end.
Addressing a huge public gathering here, the Chief Minister said that the peace was pre-requisite to economic prosperity and all round development. “You have witnessed the benefits of peaceful 2011 in the shape of economic activities with fast tracking of development across the State”, he added.
The Chief Minister said that while his government is facilitating political addressing of the political issues of Jammu and Kashmir with focused attention, it is wholeheartedly involved in the resolution of day-to-day problems of the people making justice and equitable development benchmark of governance.
“History is witness to the path breaking and innovative initiatives taken by the coalition government in the State on political and development fronts to restore peace and march ahead on road to prosperity”, he said listing the major achievements registered during the last three years in the State present dispensation with special reference to the comprehensive development in the sectors relating to the delivery of basic amenities to the people. He said the government has reached out to every area in the process of development with a committed approach to seek welfare of all areas and all sections of the society equitably.
Earlier Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah paid obeisance at the Holy Shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah popularly known as Shahdara Sharief, situated on a hillock amidst Pir Panchal range about 6.5 kilometres from Thana Mandi on Rajouri-Poonch road. He prayed for the peace and prosperity of the State and well being of the people.
Omar Abdullah laid foundation of Baitul Zaireen and other allied works at Shahdara Sharief.
The main component of the building complex is a double story structure to be completed at a cost of over Rs. 2.63 crores. There will be 20 rooms attached with bathrooms, two suits; two dormitories with 10-bed capacity, dinning-hall for 40 persons, one kitchen, one cater room and a store.(OK)

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ASI OF POLICE KILLED IN SRINAGAR, ISLAMIC FRONT CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY

Srinagar, April 20 (Only Kashmir): Assistant Sub Inspector-ASI of Police, Sukhpal Singh No. 4193/S, of Police Post Bagyas, Chattabal, was fired upon by militants this morning, near Darish Kadal-Srinagar, while performing his duties. He was rushed to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh-SMHS, Hospital Srinagar, where he succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile Islamic Front claims responsibility for ASI’s killing, sources told Only Kashmir.

Late ASI was an appointee of 1983, as constable in the J&K Executive Police and hails from village Chatoosa, Dangiwacha, Baramulla. He is survived by old aged Mother and spouse.

To bid a tearful adieu, an impressive guard of honour was presented to the Martyr-ASI Sukhpal Singh, at the District Police Lines,Srinagar, which was followed by the wreath laying ceremony.

The Hon’ble MoS (Home), Mr Nasir Aslam Wani, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone Mr S.M.Sahai, Inspector General CRPF (OPS) Dr B.N. Ramesh, Inspector General CRPF ADM Dr. Ravi Prakash , Deputy Inspector General of Police Central Kashmir Range Mr, A.G.Mir, Deputy Inspector General-Armed Police, Mr T-Namgyal, Deputy Inspector General, CRPF, SSP Srinagar, Srinagar based Commandants of JKAP/IRP Bn, all Zonal SSP’s of district Srinagar, all SDPO’s of district Srinagar, attended the wreath laying ceremony.

Meanwhile Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and DGP Kuldeep Khoda have expressed their sympathies and condolences with the next of kins of Late. Assistant Sub Inspector-ASI of Police, Sukhpal Singh.(OK)

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RADIO KASHMIR’S MEHFIL-E-BAHAR PRESENTS ODES TO SPRING

Srinagar Apr 18 (Only Kashmir): It was a melodious ode to the spring season from Radio Kashmir Srinagar at Sericulture Park opposite Tulip Garden in Srinagar this afternoon under the title Mehfil-e-Bahaar. Organised after a long interval, the Mehfil resonated with the lyrics from selected twenty poets of Urdu and Kashmiri who presented their poems dedicated to spring season and its charm in Kashmir. The function was attented by many prominent citizens of valley. The musical rendrings by Manzoor Ahmed Shah and Party of many famed poems of the poets of Kashmir recharched the atmosphere. Many local and foreign tourists also enjoyed the show. Rukhsana Jabeen, the Station Programme Director of Radio Kashmir Srinagar in her adress said that Bahar has been refered to by our poets as a symbol of rejuination and new hope, so it needs to be celebrated. She said that this Mehfil will produce many positive waves and these waves will travel around spreading the message of peace and life in whole of the wonderland Kashmir. The prominent poets who recited their poems included Prof Rehman Rahi, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, Prof Margoob Banihali, Dr Shabeeb Rizvi, Naseem Shifai, G N Gowher, Hamdam Kashmiri, Rafeeq Raaz, Dr Aziz Hajni, Sultan-ul-Haq Shaheedi, Syed Raza, Dr Shafaq Sopori, Dr Nikhat Nazar, Dr Nazir Azad, Dr Farooq Fayyaz, Ayoob Sabir,Fayyaz Tilgami, Maqbool Sahil and Athar Bashir. The Mehfil was hosted by famed broadcaster Shamshad Kralwari. Prof Rehman Rahi presided over this special event.(OK)

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FIRE SAFETY WEEK COMMENCES

Srinagar, April 14 (Only Kashmir): To commemorate Fire Safety Week, a function was organized by Fire and Emergency Services, Srinagar today. Joint Director, Kashmir, Mr. R.T. Dubey was the chief guest while as OSD to Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Aamir Ali was the guest of honour.

In his address, Mr. Dubey gave a resume of the activities of his department and remembered those Jawans who sacrificed their lives while saving life and properties during fire incidents. He said April 14, 1944 was the day when a devastating fire incident took place at Victoria Docks in Bombay (now Mumbai), in which hundreds of human beings perished besides causing loss to property worth crores. He said since them April 14 is observed as National Fire Service Day.

Joint Director said that this department deals with the safety of life and property from accidental fire and other natural/manmade disasters. The Fire & Emergency Services, J&K was established in the year 1893 as Srinagar Fire Brigade. Some of the town areas were also having their fire brigades with few men. The Fire & Emergency Services, J&K is presently spread over 164 Fire & Emergency Stations all over the State.

Mr. Dubey said that the motto of the services is "We serve to save" and the role of Fire & Emergency Services, J&K, was earlier confined to Fire Fighting to safeguard life and property. He said the department has been renamed as Fire & Emergency Services Department as such the nature of duties viz a viz the responsibilities have increased substantially.

The Joint Director said that the department has to attend each and every sort of emergency/ disasters etc. like floods/ flash floods, rescue from water, earthquakes, chemical disasters, gas leakages, road accidents, building collapses, avalanches, forest fires, drought besides manmade disasters like war, air raids, bomb blasts etc.

He said the department is trying to strengthen and improve the services by providing Hi-tech Disaster Management equipment and training of manpower to deal with such exigencies. The department has procured some specialized appliances and equipment for Disaster Management and some are proposed to be purchased for equipping the department properly.

The Jawans who laid their lives during fire fighting operations were remembered in the function and in their respect the audience stood for a two minutes silence and prayed for their solace. A wreath was also laid on the memorial.

On the occasion, the Jawans of the Fire Services demonstrated a mock drill in which latest machinery and equipment was displayed.

Deputy Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Bazaz, Divisional Fire Officer, Syed Shakeel Ahmad, Parade Commander, Mr. Mohammad Rafiq Khan and other officers were present on the occasion. (OK)

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COMMUNAL HARMONY IS WARP & WOOF OF STATE’S CULTURE: OMAR

Poonch, Apr 13 (Only Kashmir): Describing communal harmony ‘warp and woof’ of Jammu and Kashmir’s pluralistic culture, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday called for it’s strengthening and nurturing. He said the State symbolizes traditional amity, brotherhood and love between various sections of the society. “It has been aboard of different faiths living in harmony”, he said emphasizing on its preservation.

Addressing the Baisakhi Mela at Nangali Saheb in Poonch, the Chief Minister said that celebration of festivals and holy occasions in unity and amity has been the characteristics of people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said extending greetings to each other on different festivals adds colour to the celebrations and strengthen the bonds of love.

The Chief Minister said that universalization of development and economic welfare equitably in the State is benchmark of the functioning of his government. “We are determined to reach out every area and every section of the society equally in the process of development”, he said adding that comprehensive upliftment of weaker sections and people living in backward pockets of the State is on high focus.

Omar Abdullah said that improvement and upgradation of education and health sectors in far-off areas is receiving priority attention. “While various new health institutions and schools have been opened in these areas, the government has also sanctioned new degree colleges, polytechnics and ITIs for the students living in these areas”, he said adding that accessibility of students in backward and remote areas to higher and technical education is being enhanced by providing adequate educational facilities to them.

“Similarly, health sector is receiving impetus to expand healthcare facilities across the State”, he said elaborating on the infrastructure development programme, placing of manpower and consolidating the health institutions in all the districts and rural areas of the State. He said health institutions are being upgraded and modernized as per the present day requirements. He said many more steps are afoot to further strengthen the health and education sectors in the State besides other sectors relating to the public service delivery.

The Chief Minister Extended Baisakhi greetings to the people and also referred to the importance of this day as the foundation day of Khalsa. He prayed for the peace, prosperity and progress of the State and the Country.(OK)

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TULIP GARDEN NEEDS IMMEDIATE CARE

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat

Srinagar April 11, 2012 (Only Kasmir): Any person hailing from the country or from outside India visiting Kashmir as a tourist, first takes fancy at visiting the tulip garden at any cost.

The enchanting garden, situated at the foothills of Zabarwan, was the creation of the imagination of former State chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who offered to the people of Kashmir this wonderful and fascinating gift of nature carved out of a huge chunk of desolate land belonging to the State.

The garden, now covering an area of 250 kanals of land, is in full bloom with one million tulips of all colours laid with great aesthetic sense across the sprawling garden.

These days, both domestic and foreign tourists come to Kashmir mainly to have a look of the splendid garden because the colourful tulips have a very brief span of life hardly lasting one month’s time.

But there are apprehensions that in case the garden is left to the present state of very bad affairs, it might perish within a very short period of time.

At present there are no required arrangements to preserve the tulip roots in a scientific way for which any able official of the Floriculture department need to be sent to Netherlands for receiving proper training.

Unattended and dilapidated paths, lack of required number of public conveniences, absence of standard food stalls, extension of the space providing facilities of paid parking within the premises of the garden and not providing the visitors entertainment of musical evenings, are the telling tales of the official apathy, callousness and criminal negligence. The proposal of setting up of a musical fountain has been gathered dust in the concerned administrative offices.

After Azad, successive State governments least bothered about the proper maintenance of the garden. The VIPs and other high ups have been paying pleasure visits to the garden only to be publicised in print media and on television channels but the repeated requests made to them more often than not in this regard have all along fallen on deaf ears.

Javen Ahmad Shah, the Floriculture Officer, who dedicates his whole day from dawn to dusk probably also praying that the concerned authorities open their eyes and see for themselves that the garden is not met with an untimely death.(OK)

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OMAR, CHIDAMBARAM REVIEW J&K SECURITY

Jammu, April 10 (Only Kashmir): Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and Union Minister for Home Affairs, P. Chidambaram Tuesday reviewed the prevailing law and order and security situation in the State at a high level meeting here.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani, J&K Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Director General Police, Kuldeep Khoda, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary Home, B. R. Sharma, Union Joint Secretary (Kashmir) in Ministry of Home Affairs, K. Skandan, Additional Director IB, Rajeev Kapur, Special Director General CRPF (NZ) J&K, Anirudh Uppal, Additional Director General Law and Order J&K, K. Rajindra, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Pawan Kotwal, IGP Kashmir, S. M. Sahai, IGP Jammu, Dilbag Singh, IG CRPF, Kashmir, B. N. Ramesh, OSD to Union Home Minister, Ajay Kumar Yadev, IGP CID, B. Srinivas, IG CRPF (Adm), Kashmir, Ravi Parkash, Deputy Director IB Kashmir, Mahesh Dixit, DD (SIB), Jammu, Anuragh Kumar, IG BSF, Kashmir, D. S. Rathore, IG CRPF, Jammu, A. H. Mohammad and DIG BSF, Jammu, N. S. Jamwal.(OK)

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NEW APPOINTMENTS IN NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Srinagar, April 07 (Only Kashmir): National Conference senior leader Dr Mustafa Kamal has expressed thanks to Party leadership of again appointing him as additional general secretary of the party.

Dr Mustafa kamal also welcomed the appointment of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as working president of the party. He said that the party has again maintained faith and confidence with him and he will use all his political experience to come up to the expectation of the party and the common people.

Dr Mustafa kamal said that his priority would be to strengthen the party at the grass root level with the support and co-operation of the people. He also said that he will work in close co-ordination with the entire national Conference leadership to strengthen the party at the grass root level.

Dr Mustafa Kamal said that his priority would be to work on National Conference agenda for which national Conference leadership particularly Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah faced countless miseries for the welfare and progress of the people of entire state.

The National Conference senior leader also said that the appointment of Omar as working president will also help to strengthen the party at the grass root level for the equal development of all the three regions of the state.

Meanwhile National Conference provincial president Ali Mohammad Dar at a function at Nawa i-Subh welcomed the appointment of Omar Abdullah as working president and appointment of Dr Mustafa Kamal as additional general secretary.

The Provincial president also said that both the leaders have enough political experience to serve the masses. He said that Omar Abdullah delivered in all fronts in difficult circumstances and his sincere efforts are for equal development of all the three regions of the state.

He also said that Omar Abdullah was appointed as president by 34000 delegates of all the three regions of the state at Sher-I-Kashmir cricket stadium and after his appointment as president he gave new life to the party and reached all the corners of the state for the strengthening of the party.

The provincial president said that Omar Abdullah has a blood of Sheikh Dynasty to serve people and for the last three years as chief minister he delivered as expected by party and common people.

Dr Mustafa Kamal and Omar Abdullah were appointing additional general secretary and working president by National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah at a function today at Jammu. (OK)

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SHUTDOWN AFFECTS LIFE IN SRINAGAR

Srinagar Apr 07 (Only Kashmir): Life across Srinagar and other towns of Kashmir Valley were affected today by a shutdown called by hardline senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani against the conviction of Kashmiri separatist Ghulam Nabi Fai by a US court last month.

Shops, businesses, public transport and classes in the educational institutions remained suspended because of the shutdown in the city.

Banks, post offices, government offices, however, functioned here even though the attendance was thin because of non-availability of public transport.

Private transport and some three-wheelers plied normally on the city roads.

Reports from other district headquarters of Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Badgam and Bandipora also indicated the shutdown had affected normal life there as well.

No untoward incident has so far been reported from anywhere, police said.

The authorities have made deployments of riot control squads at vulnerable places in the city and other towns of the valley.

It is to recall here Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai was charged in the US with spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence.(OK)

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JKYJA PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTES TO IZHAR WANI

Srinagar Apr 06 (Only Kashmir): With Profound grief, utmost sorrow and pain the Jammu & Kashmir Young Journalists Association condoles the untimely demise of the prominent journalist of Jammu & Kashmir ‘Mr. Izhar Wani’ who happened to be the Kashmir bureau chief of Agence France Press (AFP), the prominent international news agency based in France.
On the occasion all the members of Jammu & Kashmir Young Journalists Association (JKYJA) gathered for a condolence meeting and prayed for the departed soul and paid glowing tributes to him. Ajaz Ahmad War, President JKYJA termed Izhar as a noble soul, an apt journalist and stated that it is not possible to fill the void created by his demise.
Ajaz Ahmad War added ”Izhar Wani was a man of tremendous caliber and personality who added creative dimensions to the field of journalism in Kashmir and we with great sorrow and tears in our eyes pay adieu to his dynamic personality.”(OK)

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DESECRATION OF A HINDU TEMPLE COMPLEX IN KASHMIR CONDEMNED

Srinagar April 05 (Only Kashmir): Kashmir Hindu Foundation (KHF) is deeply distressed to hear news reports that a sacred Hindu temple 'Shri Vital Bairav Astapan' at Motiyaar in Rainawari, Srinagar-Kashmir has been completely desecrated, including the sanctumsanctorum and the sacred old Mulberry Tree. This has sent a wave of strong resentment among the Kashmir Hindu devotees who have held this Asthapan in reverence for years. KHF strongly demands that Immediate steps be taken to restore the sanctity of the temple. Religious sentiments of the Kashmiri Hindu community have been deeply hurt by this cowardly act. We support protests launched by various social and political Kashmiri Hindu organizations in Jammu.

The State Government has failed to provide safety and security to religious shrines of Hindus in Kashmir and it is their duty to fulfill its moral obligations towards the minority community in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Divisional commissioner of Kashmir who is the custodian of all Kashmiri Hindu Migrants left out properties should restore the sanctity of this 350 year old shrine. The culprits responsible for this sacrilege need to be prosecuted to avoid such occurrences in future.(OK)

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AFP KASHMIR BUREAU CHIEF IZHAR WANI IS NO MORE

Srinagar, Apr 05 (Only Kashmir): Izhar Wani, Agence France-Presse (AFP) bureau chief in Kashmir, who reported on the separatist conflict in the region for more than two decades, died Wednesday of cancer. He was 46.

A passionately committed reporter, he went straight into journalism after graduating from college and joined AFP in 1991, as the separatist insurgency in the Kashmir region was escalating.

For the next 20 years, he covered the conflict in difficult and often dangerous conditions, all the while maintaining a scrupulous impartiality that was recognised by all sides to the dispute.

As well as the insurgency, Wani reported on a number of major breaking news stories -- most notably the 1999 Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan.

A well-known and deeply respected figure in the Kashmiri journalistic community, he was also a much sought-after source of information and advice for the many foreign correspondents who visited the region over the years.

"Izhar's untimely death has robbed India and AFP of a great correspondent," said AFP Asia-Pacific director Eric Wishart.

"He showed tremendous courage in covering an extremely complex and dangerous conflict for so many years, and showed the same courage in his fight against cancer."

Messages of condolence also came from the Chief Minister of Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, and other senior Kashmiri politicians and journalists.
Editor-in-chief Bilal Bashir Bhat including whole Only Kashmir team expresses sympathies with the bereaved family. May he rest in peace (Ameen)

A devout Muslim and proud father, Wani is survived by his wife and two daughters.(OK)

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58784 PASSPORTS ISSUED DURING 2011: SAGAR

Jammu Apr 04 (Only Kashmir): Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj and Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar on behalf of Home Minister today informed the House that total number of 84928 applications has been received by the Passport Office during 2011 out of which, 58784 cases have been cleared.

Replying in question by Mr. Murtaza Ahmed Khan, the Minister said that 26144 cases are under process for various reasons like non-receipt of reports from different field agencies for different clarifications. He said the passports are being issued as per the policy guidelines issued by the government.

He said the passport applicants of close relatives of Militants can also be considered for performing Haj after clearance of CID. He said female passport applicants whose father, husband, son have been reported to be involved in militancy shall be considered for clearance for performing Haj. However, full clearance can also be considered on case to case basis subject to the conditions they have no adverse report from concerned quarters.

Mr. Naresh Kumar Gupta and Mr. Jehangir Hussain Mir asked their supplementaries to the question.(OK)

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US ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION BOUNTY ON LASHKAR CHIEF'S HEAD

New Delhi Apr 03 (Only Kashmir): India's tormentor-in-chief Hafiz Saeed, the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, now carries a $10 million bounty on his head. The US has announced this reward for the capture or information leading to the capture of Saeed, making him one of the most wanted terrorists in the world.

In her maiden visit to India, US undersecretary of state Wendy Sherman told Indian officials and a select audience at the Aspen Institute that apart from Saeed, his brother-in-law and co-founder of Lashkar Abdul Rehman Makki now carries a bounty of $3 million on his head.

LeT, and principally Saeed, are accused of planning and executing the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai with the help of Pakistan's spy agency, ISI. Under Saeed's watch, Lashkar has grown to become a terror group that rivals al-Qaida in its reach and lethality. Although primarily focused against India, LeT, which has links with the ISI (some claim it has been nurtured by it) has reached European and Australian shores.

The US has $25 million on the head of Ayman al Zawahiri, the head of Qaida after the killing of Osama bin Laden, making him the most wanted terrorist in the world. Saeed is in the second rung - he joins the ranks of Mullah Omar and the Qaida chiefs of Iran and Iraq, all of whom carry a reward of $10 million.(OK)

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KASHMIR STRUGGLE IS NOT AGAINST ANY RELIGION OR REGION: SHABIR CHOUDHRY

Only Kashmir April 02

Dr Shabir Choudhry, Head of Diplomatic Committee of Kashmir National Party said, “We speak for fundamental rights of all people of former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir; and we strongly believe that all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir must have equal rights and practise what they believe without any threat from extremists.”

KNP leader said, “Our struggle is not against any religion, any region or any tribe. Our struggle is for united and independent Jammu and Kashmir where followers of all religions can live in peace and harmony.”

He said, “There are powerful lobbies which are promoting religious hatred, regional rivalry and tribal conflicts to divide people of Jammu and Kashmir to weaken the movement for secular, democratic, united and independent Jammu and Kashmir.”

Dr Shabir Choudhry further said, “Some innocent people are, at times, influenced by these intrigues; but we must understand game plan of some agents of those who occupy us and like to see us divided in name of religion, region and tribes. We must get united and fight those who keep divide us and serve the interests of forces of occupation, extremism and hatred.”

KNP leader said, “What Yasin Malik said about me was totally wrong and unwarranted; and I had to retaliate and show his real face to the people. What I have produced about him is only a tiny part of what I have in my arsenal; but on request of some sincere friends I have decided not to say anymore until I am attacked again.”

He said, “What I said about Yasin Malik is in my articles and statements and I take full responsibility of that, however, I have not said anything about Dr Fai. There was no need to say anything about him as; he had acknowledged what he did in name of the Kashmiri struggle. Dr Fai, despite what he has done and acknowledged, is a decent human being; and is among list of friends. I wish him all the best and hope that he will face difficult time with dignity and honor”.

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