HURRIYAT (M) CHAIRMAN MIRWAIZ UMAR MEETS ZARDARI

Srinagar Sep 29 (Only Kashmir): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference met with Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari here on the sidelines of UNGA session on Friday evening. Foreign Minister Pakistan Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman were also present during the meeting.
Zardari during the meeting with the Mirwaiz reiterated Pakistan's principled stance to continue extending all political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri brethren, who have rendered countless sacrifices for upholding their dignity and freedom, pleading for equity and justice and the fulfillment of the promise for the effective exercise of their right to self-determination, as envisaged in the relevant UN resolutions.
The President of Pakistan reiterated his call to the international community to focus its attention towards the plight of Kashmiri people, who have been waging a legitimate struggle for their right to self-determination over six decades, despite sufferings huge losses and human rights violations. He fully endorsed the view that without the participation of the Kashmiri leadership in the dialogue process, India and Pakistan cannot address the Kashmir problem.
Chairman APHC Mirwaiz Umar Farooq thanked the President of Pakistan for his for the support extended to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination. (OK)

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18TH CONVOCATION OF KASHMIR UNIVERSITY: LET A NEW DAWN EMERGE, SAYS PRESIDENTS, MIRWAIZ REMAIN ABSENT, VALLEY SHUTS

Srinagar Sep 27 (Only Kashmir): On his first visit to Kashmir as President, Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said no problems are ever resolved by violence and the healing process must be nurtured with love, compassion and patience while important issues need speedy resolution.
 Touching on the urgent need for greater tolerance in society, he said there are grievances and many important issues need deft handling and speedy resolution.
"The government of India and the state government of J and K are determined to ensure that every Kashmiri lives with dignity having equal rights and equal opportunities," he said in his address at the 18th convocation of University of Kashmir.
Addressing the students, Mukherjee said he would like to take this opportunity while being among the "bright, young" people to highlight the relevance and urgent need for greater tolerance "in our society".
"No problems are ever resolved by violence. It only aggravates the pain and the hurt on every side. The healing process must be nurtured with love, compassion and patience," he said.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Vice Chancellor Talat Ahmed were among the host of dignitaries present on the occasion.
"I am aware that there are grievances. Many important issues need deft handling and speedy resolution," the President said.
He said India of tomorrow, achieved through inclusive growth, offers enormous opportunities for the youth of Kashmir if they only seize them.
"Do not lose any more time. The whole world is rapidly transforming itself. We in India should not be left behind.
The contributions of young Kashmiris are critical for India's advancement to progress.
"Let the dark days of violence and conflict be left behind. Let a new dawn emerge. It is the time to move ahead with faith in our collective future and confidence in the largest democracy in the world, where rule of law prevails, robust institutions function and the Constitution serves as the Supreme Law," Mukherjee said.
He said let Jammu and Kashmir lead the way in the building of a new future for India. Let it set an example to the rest of India and the world by showing how the entire region can be transformed into a zone of peace, stability and prosperity.
"Let Jammu and Kashmir regain its historical role as a center of learning, a place frequented by saints and religious scholars, a land known for its diversity and harmony, a fulcrum of trade and commerce with our neighbours," he said.
The President said institutions of higher education, with their emphasis on sound value systems and character building can play an effective role in developing a greater sense of responsibility and a rational approach to all issues.
"In this context, the duty of teachers is to inculcate in their students a balance -- of knowledge and skills with the moral and aesthetic values," he said.
Mukherjee also called upon the youth of Kashmir to take the lead in forging the future of our nation. In every field of activity -- be it business, industry, trade, education or culture, India is a nation on the move.
"A billion people marching forward led by the ideas, enterprise and energy of its predominantly young population," he said.
"I am confident that the young people of India will build a strong and powerful nation -- a nation that is politically mature and economically strong, a nation whose people enjoy both a high quality of life as well as justice, fundamental rights and equality," he said.
'I CONDEMN THE ANTI-ISLAM OFFENSIVE VIDEO'
President Mukherjee also condemned the offensive video on Islam made in the US and its dissemination through social media.
"I condemn in the strongest of terms the making of the offensive video and its dissemination through social media. India can never condone any act which disparages religious sentiments or hurts religious feelings," he said.
The President was reacting to a media query and to local sentiments which also found expression through advertisements in local newspapers in which he was urged to denounce the film.
"The Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with the US officials who share our concerns on the matter. Google India has in compliance with Indian law, blocked access to the offensive material," he said.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remain Absent.
Meanwhile Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remain absent as some media reports had earlier speculated that Mirwaiz might receive his PhD degree from President, Pranab Mukherjee during the convocation, in October 2010, Mirwaiz was conferred the PhD degree for his thesis on a book on political thought in Islam by famous saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, popularly known as Amir-e-Kabir in Kashmir.
STRIKE HITS NORMAL LIFE
Meanwhile normal life in Kashmir was today disrupted due to a strike called by separatist groups to protest President Pranab Mukherjee's visit even as an independent MLA held a sit-in to draw his attention towards the mercy plea of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Shops, schools and business establishments remained closed due to the strike called by hard line Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and supported by several other separatist groups. (Only Kashmir)
With some inputs from PTI, Rediff

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KASHMIR, THE SYMBOL OF UNO FAILURE: ZARDARI

New York, Sep 26 (Only Kashmir): Kashmir remains a symbol of the failures of the U.N. system, says Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. He made this remark on the disputed region bordering India while addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
Zardari affirmed Pakistan's resolve to support the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which remains to be the bone of contention between the two countries since their partition in 1947.
"Kashmir remains a symbol of the failures, rather than strengths of the U.N. system. We feel that resolution of these issues can only be arrived in an environment of cooperation," he told the 67th session of the General Assembly on the first day of its annual General Debate.
Zardari linked Pakistan's strides towards democracy and peace to its role at the United Nations which, he said, necessitated reform to better reflect democratic principles.
"The U.N. represents our common aspirations for peace and development," he said. "However, it needs reform. The U.N. system must become more democratic and more accountable. Reform should be based on consensus and democratic principles,"  according to the Pak leader. (OK)

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AN OPEN LETTER TO MUFTI MOHAMMAD SAYEED BY TAHIR MUZTER

Srinagar Only Kashmir 22 Sep 2012
My Dear Mufti Sahib 

I think, I need not introduce myself   to you. Yes, the only difference ‘’Tahir Muzter”, then and now is--- I have now grown old.  My age now demands rest, but my political   consciousness     instigates me to   continue with writing. What I write now-   it is more as a son of Kashmir than as a   journalists. It is not without a reason.    2008, when  soft   and hard  Hindutva, swooped   down on  Kashmir, with  a  war  crime  “ECONOMIC BLOCKED”, I  came to know,  that  Kashmir  has virtually became  a  colony, that  too under he  cover of  democracy, and  it is at the verge  of becoming   a  new  Palestine , when  we study the  situation  with serious thought, 

Today I am addressing you, ,  as    I  said as a son of Kashmir , knowing   that  you   are the leader   of   the big, only   large opposition party in Kashmir –PDP,   undoubtedly with good public following. -------YES!  Mufti Sahib,    You are    well aware   that Amarnath is again in news.  Road or no   road.  But the    controversy is afresh.  Alarming apprehensions   of destruction of ecological situation. and  also  un-bridled  powers  to  the  Shrine  Board    are   under discussion  in  Kashmir  To  express their concern, the  people  0f   Kashmir observed  Hartal  on  4th instant  on the  Call of  Syed  Ali   Shah  Geelani, though   he did not take  notice of  this  dangerous situation    during  Amarnath  Land Row in  2008,  when he and   Mirwaiz   dominated    the scene.  But now, he too   see   situation alarming ------But why not you and your Party.

After Amaranth Land Row in 2008,     this time too as usual ‘’ Kashmir’s logical voice’   has again irked, right wing   Hindu Parties. They have warned not only the   separatist leaders only but    the regional mainstream parties too.           This is not   a mere   assumption something but they have declared in clear terms. —--------------“The Hindu bodies will forcefully counter the propaganda unleashed by separatists, their supporters and valley based main stream political parties against the facilities being provided to pilgrims of holy Amaranth shrine by the Government’’(Early Times, Jammu). 

The leaders of various Hindu organizations, social activists and intellectuals who participated in a meeting organized by Baba Amaranth & Buda Amaranth Yatri Niyas (BABAYN) on Saturday to frame a roadmap to counter the propaganda and misinformation campaign launched by the separatists of Kashmir valley, as they   put it. --- “We will not allow any one to interfere in the religious affairs of Hindus.”  (Early Times, Jammu)

All this clearly means that   KashmirisOr their leadership    will   not be allowed, to raise their voice   to protect   their interests of the people. They are talking again in terms of their mussel power   and their   majority-might.  In this situation, 2008 situation cannot be ruled out ---- In this situation   another blockade against Kashmir     can not be ruled   out.      If  the people  of  Kashmir  will go ahead   to raise  their voice , they  will , be as usual, dubbed  as   IslamisT5S, as separatists , as  militants and    Pakistanis----  This  is what happened in 2008.  

In   this situation Kashmiries   have the right to ask    you and your party ----as to why you and you party is mysteriously silent   on   the new development. YES! Kashmir’s eyes   are on you----because  they don’t  expect  even a Paper- statement    from  National  Conference  or Congress.----Whereas the  National  Conference  Government is factually  founder of this  serious trouble the Congress   has  been  a  collaborator  Congress  in  this  big conspiracy---And  you are  the  eye  witness to  al this----    but  still    mysteriously  silent-------------Why. Kashmir Want to know.

You are  the   first  man in  Kashmir,  who  had  understood the gravity  of the  issue  You  only  can  well understand,  the gravity ,of the issue,  when you were asked to keep mum , with  regard   to the the    extension of  yatra   duration   even as the elected  Chief Minster of the State ---- What  you desired   at that time  was mainly an administrative   viewpoint    or requirement.  But you   were made to surrender by Delhi, and Sangh lobby there.   You were   also heading the unified headquarters and the security agencies at that time. And even then you are mysteriously   silent. 

You  are the  first   chief Minister---who   has faced  the wrath  of   the  Chairman  of he  Shrine Board---And   out of  power , your political  expediency should not have barred you  from opening  you min  on he issue.

I   only   want to remind you   when finally   you bowed against, congress or Delhi pressure.   The then Governor –Chairman of the Shrine Board   S.K. Sinha prolonged Yatra and made it bigger and bigger with every passing year. Sinha challenged your writ and authority, but    you failed to resist in time and gave vent to your feelings publicly only when the people came on the streets. Had you resisted   the   Sinha’s dictatorial approach and his attempts to trample the rights of the State  under his foot  and taken the people into confidence on  this delicate issue,   no  transfer  of land would  have  been there    and              certainly  no land row would  have  followed   It would   have demoralized the  overambitious  Governor Lt. Gen. (Ret )S  K SINHA.   It was too easy for you at that juncture of the time. —but it needed guts or at the worst   sacrifice, which is unknown to all Kashmir rulers and leaders.

RE-LOOK AT THE   LEGISLTON OF SHRINE BOARD 

However that is past.     I know it is all in vain to discuss   it now. I mentioned it here, just to link   the events with the situation, prevailing today.  But Kashmir remembers   your promise,   made in view of the mass upsurge against the land transfer.  You      stressed the need for having a re-look at the legislation that led to the creation of SASB  under  the shadow  of   seriously flawed  Shrine Act of 2000  , but latter  did not  opt to  utter a word in this regard even not outside the Assembly after the elections were   over.    your    Dy. Chief Minister(PDP) in the   the  Azad  Government  Muzaffar Hussain  Beigh  in a big    crowded   press conference also promised that   in the next assembly session he would bring an amendment bill  in this   regard   But opted not talk about the issue   even casually thereafter.

Today ,  when a  new situation   has  emerged   ad  re-awakened     the people of  Kashmir ,    about    the    role  of tee  Shrine  Board , as the new   “EASD INDIA COMPANY- why    your   good self   and your party   is mysteriously      and  conspicuously silent. ------ With no opinion, with no   view point 

AFTER ALL WHY--????? WILL YOU    KINDLY     COME OUT WITH A STATEMENT----- WHAT   WILL BE YOUR LINE OF ACTION TO SAVE KASHMIR? –WHY CRIMNAL   DOUBLE STANDARD IN KASHMIR   AND   UTTRAKAND-----DONT YOU FEEL NEED TO RAISE VOICE AGAINST THIS CRIMNAL    DOUBLE STANDARD ----?     

Tahir Muzter is a well known Journo of J&K, He has been the first Editor of the Daily Chinar & Nawa-e-Subah. Tahir Muzter is also known for his poetry, he is the Author of the book "Neelam Ghar" a collection of poetry in Urdu, Tahir Muzter is one of the content contribution to Only Kashmir. He can be reached at:  tahirmuzter.s@gmail.com

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KASHMIR SHUTS TO PROTEST ANTI-ISLAM VIDEO, VEHICLE TORCHED

Srinagar Sep 18 (Only Kashmir): Complete Shutdown was today observed in almost every nook and corner of Kashmir against the Anti-Islamic film. Attendance in government offices, colleges Universities was low because of the non-availability of public transport in the city and other major towns of the Valley.
The Strike was called by MUAS following the support of both faction of Hurriyat, J&K High Court Bar Association, World Islamic Students League (WISL) led by Jameel Ahmad War, Karwani Islamiya led by Ghulam Rasool Hami and many other political and Islamic organizations of Kashmir.
 According to reports Only Kashmir received here peaceful Marches were taken out at many places across the Valley against the blasphemous movie clips. Groups of people staged peaceful marches at Pampore, Nunar Gandarbal, Kangan, Langate Handwara, Chadoora, Sheeri, Uri, Mir Gund, Pattan, Lal Chowk Anantnag, Pulwama, Nowpora, Khanyar , Ziyarat Dastgeer Sahib, Habba Kadal, Kawdara, Noor Bagh, Kral Khud, Safa Kadal in Srinagar city. Meanwhile, members of Muttahida Ulema Ahli Sunnat wal Jamaat headed by Abdul Hamid Haqani staged a peaceful protest near Sonawar. 
Meanwhile a large group of Journalists marched from Press Enclave Srinagar to Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk to register their protest and resentment over the video.
The journalist fraternity has strongly condemned the act and demanded immediate removal of video from internet and arrest of the culprits.
However, a mob near Sangarmal Shopping Complex, Srinagar set ablaze a Gypsy bearing registration number JK18/0070 of Kulgam Municipality. Reports of Stone Pelting were also received from Saraf Kadal, Maisuma, Habak Tengpora Bypass. (OK)

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KASHMIR REACTS OVER ANTI ISLAMIC VIDEO

Srinagar Sep 14 (Only Kashmir): Despite being detained all Pro-Freedom leaders by state authorities the Valley today witnessed the peaceful protests from every nook and corner. Following the Protest Call by Hurriyat (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Islamic Students League Chairman Jameel War’s after Friday congregation prayers. The valley today joined the almost 54 Muslims countries to register protest against the video containing disrespect to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sponsored by some western countries.
Kashmiris in large numbers protested against the blasphemous film in Masjids, Khanqahs, Imam Barahs. Imams and Khatibs also delivered speeches castigating the film makers and denouncing the film. Facebook and Twiiter are among the social media network sites here in Kashmir were full of protesting content was found against the said video.  According to Only Kashmir sources the highest gathering of people registering protest was found here in Kashmir’s Historical Jamia Masjid where agitated protestors gathered outside the Masjid and shouted anti-US slogans as they burnt U.S. flags in protest against the anti Islam film. The chief clerk of Jamia Masjid Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remained out of protest as the state authorities put him house arrest this morning.  Policemen were deployed in and around downtown to prevent any untoward incident from reoccurring. 
According to our reports received here protests were also held in Maisuma led by PPP activists, Hazratbal, Alamgiri Bazaar, Abi Guzar, Sarai Bala, Hyderpora, Shopian town, Jamia Masjid Pulwama, Baramulla Wakoora, Budgam, Beerwah, Charar-i- Sharief and Bandipora and some many other places in Srinagar and District head quarters, in Anantnag Kashmir a protest rally was carried out led by Hurriyat (M) Executive Member Mukhtar Ahmad Waza followed by his condemnable address towards a large gathering present there.
Earlier, dozens of local lawyers boycotted the courts in the city and carried out a protest march in the Civil Lines area here, followed by Kashmir University students started marching in the campus shouting slogans of ,”Amrika ke aiwano ko aag lagado lagado”,”super power one Allah la ilaha illalah”,”yanha kya chlega nizame Mustafa”,
According to Police statement a few incidents of stone pelting were reported from Maisuma, Nowhatta and old town Baramulla after the Friday prayers. However No one was wounded.
Meanwhile the state government has asked the union telecommunication ministry to block the blasphemous video on YouTube, stating that its carriage is likely to create law and order problems in Jammu and Kashmir. (OK)

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HILAL WAR ARRESTED TO PREVENT FRIDAY PROTESTS

Srinagar, Sep 14 (Only Kashmir): In a late night raid on War House, Maisuma, a police contingent led by SHO Maisuma, arrested People’s Political Party (PPP) Chairman, Engineer Hilal Ahmed War. According to the party spokesman, War had finished his late night prayers and was preparing for some usual daily reading. The arrest is seen as a pre-emptive measure to thwart any possible protests on Friday by the activists of PPP against the controversial American film that has offended the Muslims worldwide. Social websites are full of angry responses from Muslims all over the world who are not only demanding an apology by the producers but also a complete ban on the screening of the movie. The film - Innocence of Muslims - that is alleged to be carrying blasphemous content has hurt the Muslim sentiments, attracting huge criticism, mostly by Islamic groups and individuals. Nigeria and many other countries have issued a nationwide security alert to forestall incidents of violence. The controversy has already turned bloody and led to an attack on two American embassies by mob which has resulted in the death of one American ambassador. Jammu and Kashmir being a Muslim majority state and highly sensitive towards matters like these is always prone to violent clashes and demonstrations. In the past too, such incidents have sparked widespread violence in Kashmir and led to the deaths of many people. (KMW)

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MIRWAIZ UMAR FAROOQ LIKELY TO RECEIVE AN AWARD FROM PRESIDENT PRANAB MUKHERJEE

Srinagar, Sept 12 (Only Kashmir): Chairman of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has not yet made up his mind about receiving his PhD degree from President Pranab Mukherjee. The President is likely to be the chief guest at the annual convocation of the University of Kashmir on September 27.

Keeping in view the political fallout of accepting an award from the President, there is every likelihood that the Mirwaiz may not attend the function at all.

The Mirwaiz was conferred a doctorate in 2010 by the University of Kashmir for doing research on political thought in Islam under the guidance of Prof Naseem Ahmad Shah of the Department of Islamic Studies.

The Mirwaiz, who has registered himself for the university convocation, figures among the list of PhD scholars nominated by the university for receiving the awards (preferably a gold medal and a citation) from the chief guest.

“Yes, he has registered for the convocation. There are chances that he might participate in the event,” said a Hurriyat source. “He has not yet made up his mind yet,” the source said.

Despite repeated attempts, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was not available for comment. Officials of the university said the Mirwaiz has registered himself for the convocation. 

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DOORDARSHAN’S RENOWNED ANCHOR AND NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEADER FOUND IN A COMPRISING POSITION

Srinagar Sep 11 (Only Kashmir): According to sources a party from Police Station Nigeen conducted a raid over a complaint at a car parking near Bagh-e-Shagoofa at the famous picturesque Nigeen Lake last evening at around 7.30 p.m. and took into custody a renowned anchor of Doordarshan Srinagar (42). His alleged partner, who happens to be a leader of the ruling NC, managed to escape from the spot. However, Police seized his Scorpio, bearing registration No: JK01N-6565, along with his gun license of a .12 bore rifle, three ATM cards, a pair of shoes and a half-filled bottle of Hundred Piper whisky.
“We have arrested the female and launched a manhunt to arrest the male who managed to escape. As they were in a comprising position and taking liquor at a public place, we have filed FIR No: 110 of 2012 dated 10-09-2012 under section 294 RPC at Police Station Nageen”, one of the investigating officials confirmed to Media. He said that Police was on the job to arrest the escapee with the help of questioning of his PSOs, contacts, acquaintances and relatives.
According to the official, the escapee male was married and the female, taken into custody, was a divorcee. Asked if a medical test or a liquor consumption test had been conducted on the detained female, the official said that neither of the two was required in this matter. He said that the investigation was underway in light of the female’s disclosure and a corroboration that the couple had stayed for two previous nights at Royal Palace houseboat, anchored yards away from the car parking.
Section 294 of Ranbir Penal Code is invoked and slapped on “whoever, to the annoyance of others, does any obscene act in any public place or sings, recites or utters any obscene songs, ballads or words in or near any public place”. It is non-bailable and seeks “punishment with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months or with fine or with both”.
The detained television anchor, who has been anchoring small screen shows, as well as high profile government functions, was placed in custody of Women’s Police Station Rambagh after three rounds of sustained questioning. Later, this evening she was released on the bail granted to her by a judicial magistrate.
The FIR identifies the escapee as Altaf Ahmad Wani alias Altaf Kaloo of Aeshmuqam, Anantnag, who is holding a party position and has functioned as NC’s MLC from April 2009 to April 2011. Even after he failed to get a fresh ticket in Legislative Council elections in 2011, he is known for his proximity to the NC’s top brass. In the Assembly elections of 2008, he was NC’s candidate from Pahalgam but lost to PDP’s Rafi Ahmad Mir with a deficit of about 14,000 votes.
The accused woman has been regularly anchoring the station’s daily morning show “Good Morning J&K”. She has anchored hundreds of DD’s programmes besides over 2,000 musical serials of DDK Srinagar and ‘DD Kashir’ in the last 10 years. Among the high-profile political and government functions, she has acted as anchor for a number of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s and AICC President Sonia Gandhi’s public shows in Srinagar. It was she who anchored Mrs Sonia Gandhi’s 10,000-strong show which was organized by Social Welfare Department, School Education Department and then Chairman of State Social Welfare Advisory Board, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, during Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad’s regime at SKICC in 2006.
ALTAF KALOO SUSPENDED FROM NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The National Conference on the instruction of the working president Omar Abdullah has suspended Altaf Ahmed Wani alias Altaf Kaloo R/o Aeshmuqam Anantnag from the primary membership of the party. “Altaf Kaloo has been suspended from the primary membership of the party, He has also been issued a show cause notice to explain his position and conduct within the next 7 days, the notice has been issued by the provincial president Kashmir” said the NC spokesman.

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INDIAN AIRLINES TO OPERATE DIRECT HAJJ FLIGHTS FROM SRINAGAR

Srinagar Sep 11 (Only Kashmir): – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah’s sustained efforts to make Hajj operation hassle-free from the State by operating direct Hajj flights from Srinagar has yielded favourable result for the Hajj pilgrims and Indian Airlines is operating flights from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia directly for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Chairing the Hajj Committee meeting here Tuesday afternoon, Omar Abdullah who is also Chairman of the J&K State Hajj Committee said that the direct operations of Hajj flights by the Indian Airlines would make the pilgrimage smooth and relieve the intending Hajj pilgrims of the burden of transshipment from one aircraft to another.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Hajj, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Legislator Jahangir Mir, former Minister Nissar Ahmad Khan and other Members of the Hajj Committee besides Principal Secretary Planning and Development B. B. Vyas, Divisional Commissioner, Asgar Samoon, Commissioner Secretary Hajj and Auqaf, Bashir Ahmad Runiyal, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Budgam, IG traffic, Director Srinagar Airport and other senior officers.

Asking the Hajj Committee to put in place all efforts in providing best possible facilities to the Hajj pilgrims, Omar Abdullah said that every care should be taken for their accommodation, stay at Hajj House, immigration and custom clearance, etc. He directed the Hajj Committee to publish a guide book for the pilgrims indicating details of the facilities, emergency service, enquiry and related issues that would prove helpful to them in Saudi Arabia during the performance of the Hajj. He said this guide book should be provided to all the Hajj pilgrims. He also directed for providing SIM Cards as introduced during Hajj-2011 to Khudam-ul-Hujaj so that they could be contacted by the pilgrims in the hour of need.

It was stated in the meeting that highest number of over 9100 Aazmeen-e-Hajj would be performing Hajj-2012 as the Hajj quota for the State has been increased from last year’s 8441 to 8670 this year which is highest in last four years. In addition to this Private Hajj Operators are facilitating 500 intending Hajj pilgrims.

The Hajj Committee expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for making possible direct Hajj flights from Srinagar and helping enhancement of the Hajj quota for Jammu and Kashmir. The Members of the Hajj Committee also expressed satisfaction over the arrangements put in place by the government last year for Hajj pilgrimage.

In a PowerPoint presentation Commissioner Secretary Hajj and Auqaf, B. A. Runiyal gave details of the arrangements and preparedness for Hajj-2012. He said that the first Hajj flight will be from 17th of September this year and each day 270 Aazmeen-e-Hajj will be carried from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia. He said one flight is scheduled for one day. However, he added that two Hajj flights would be operated for eight days. Presenting brief about the preparedness and operational schedule of Indian Airlines, the authorities of the Airlines said that Hajj flights will commence at Srinagar and land at Sharjah for refueling wher from these will fly to Madinah Munawar.

Minister of State for Hajj, Ajaz Ahmad Khan informed the meeting that the return of Hajjis from Saudi Arabia has been arranged under first schedule to save the hardships that may occur due to whether vagaries during winter months. Wishing for successful Hajj-2012, the Chief Minister expressed the hope that the facilities to be provided to Hajj pilgrims would be better than last year.(OK)

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RICH TRIBUTES PAID TO MUSHTAQ ALI ON HIS DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Srinagar Sep 10 (Only Kashmir): Today the death anniversary of renowned photojournalist of Kashmir-Mushtaq Ali is observed throughout the Valley. Mushtaq Ali, a photographer for Agence France-Press and a camera operator for Asian News International, was killed when a letter bomb addressed to Yusuf Jameel, Srinagar correspondent for the BBC and Reuters, exploded in his hands on September 7. Ali opened the package, which had been delivered to Jameel's office by an unidentified woman wearing a black burqa, while Jameel was on the phone. The explosion severed Ali's left hand, disfigured his face, and severely injured his right hand and abdomen. He died three days later on 10th September, 1995.

On the occasion of Mushtaq Ali’s death anniversary Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalists Association (JKYJA) in strong words has expressed solidarity with the family of Mushtaq Ali and prayed for the peace of departed soul.

In this connection a meeting held at head office of JKYJA presided by Ajaz Ahmad War, President JKYJA paid glowing tributes to Mushtaq Ali for his professional excellence and lauded his great sacrifice.

Ajaz Ahmad War added ”Mushtaq Ali  was a man of marvelous 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 glowing tributes to Mushtaq Ali”.

The meeting was attended by all the important functionaries of the JKYJA.(KMW News)
Only Kashmir also pays rich tributes to Journalist Mushtaq Ali.

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DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF SHEIKH MOHAMMAD ABDULLAH OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THE KASHMIR

Srinagar Sep 08 (Only Kashmir): The 30th death anniversary of “Mard-i-Mujahid” (The Fighter) of poet Mahjoor and “Maed-i-Qalandar” (The spiritual holy man) of poet Iqbal, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was observed throughout the Kashmir.
The largest congregation was held at the graveyard, Naseem Bagh, Hazratbal. The collective fathiha was held at the mausoleum this morning to pay tributes to Sheikh Mohd Abdullah which was attended by National Conference President and Union Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Working President of National Conference and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah , Cabinet Minister, Legislators , leaders and prominent workers including a huge number of workers. Accoding to the party spokesman, on the sidelines of the function the Union Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah today said that tireless efforts and leadership of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah galvanized the oppressed people of the State to rise against autocracy and injustice. He said the visionary approach, which the late leader adopted won him accolades not only during his times, but is cherished even, after around three decades of his death.
 Terming Sheikh as a great revolutionary, Farooq said when the sub-continent was engulfed in communal flames following partition, it was late Sheikh’s resolve and determination in communal harmony which prompted Mahatma Gandhi to proclaim that he saw ray of hope coming from Kashmir during those tumultuous times.
The other who were present at the function include additional General Secretary Dr. Mustafa Kamal, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, Chowdhary Ramzan, Peerzada Ahmed Shah, Ali Mohd Dar, S.D Shariq, Mohd Yousuf Taing, Mehboob Beg, Mohd Akbar Lone, Ali Mohd Sagar , Qamar Ali Akhoon , Mian Altaf Ahmed, Nasir Aslam Wani , Javed Ahmed Dar, Mubarak Gul, NC Spokesman Tanvir Sadiq , District President Peer Afaq and MLA’s and MLC’s. 
Bilal Bashir Bhat the Editor-in-Chief Only Kashmir in a message has also paid rich tributes to this  Mard Mujahid, Mard Qalandar Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 30th Death anniversary. (OK)

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SHAHRUKH KHAN'S KASHMIR VISIT ALSO TURNED IN TO A BOLLYWOOD STORY

Bilal Bashir Bhat
Srinagar, 06 Sep (Only Kashmir): The moment the Badshah of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan made his entry into the press conference venue people, both media and fans, went into tizzy as to what to do next. The King Khan although was fifteen minutes late, the spirits of media were not dampened and everyone jostled for space to have an exclusive footage of the superstar and ask questions. The conference was perhaps poorly organised and there were so much chaos that SRK took upon himself to calm the people, settle them down. A large queue of girls was waiting for a single handshake and an autograph. For me it was very shocking to witness, when a woman along with her two mature girls trying to come nearer to SKR for a photograph.
Several of his attempts of being polite and soft went in vain; Shahrukh even tried to bring silence by quoting Shatrughan Sinha's famous dialogue "Khaamosh". Although order was restored, in sometime an argument broke out when a female fan interrupted SRK's speech and urged the media to show some "professionalism". But then, her plea was booed down by journalists and was asked to leave the place for disturbing the press's proceedings. Meanwhile one of my Friend Rameez Makhdoomi posed a question to Bollywood’s Superstar SRK on non-depiction of stories of human pain such as rapes and disappearances with reference to Kashmir and only depiction of state run propaganda in Bollywood movies, which SKR answered in Filmy style.

On Saturday 01 Sep excitement turned into tragedy after a youth was critically injured in police action on here in Pahalgam, Kashmir when Riyaz Ahmad of Downtown Srinagar got some serious injuries while he was watching shooting scene SRK “I was in queue “excited about Sharukh” among hundreds of people suddenly a police party came and started beating people present there without assigning any reason, I’ve a got a serious fracture in my elbow, What was my crime? ” said Riyaz to Only Kashmir.
On Monday 03 Sep SKR spend whole night in the same room where legendary Raj Kapoor filmed the famous "Hum tum ek kamre mein band hon" song for his 1973 superhit teenage romance "Bobby".
"I am staying in 305, the room where 'hum tum ek kamre mein band ho' was shot in 'Bobby'. Feels sweet... now just to try and lose the keys... ha ha", SRK posted on his widely followed microblogging site Twitter Tuesday morning.
Shahrukh had been in Srinagar, Kashmir to shoot for Yash Chopra's untitled romantic film, also starring Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.

(Inputs: India Glitz, Twitter, Only Kashmir Facebook Page, KMW)

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