KASHMIR IN 2012

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat

According to some media sources Kashmir observed 22 days of hartal this year. The most recent shutdown was called by Hurriyat (G) followed by Hurriyat (M) on December 31 against the indiscriminate firing on Eight Civilians in Pulwama Kashmir. Rest of Hartals and Curfews following are the some main events and incident occurred in 2012. 

1. The Sufi shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), populary known as Peer Dastgeer Sahib, in Khanyar in downtown Srinagar, was gutted in a fire.

2. Following after fire incident at Shrine the Curfews and Strike calls gripped the valley for almost two weeks. Police resorted to heavy lathicharge in Maisuma to disperse the maiden “Chalo” call of the year by People’s Political Party and Grand Mufti J&K.

3. While accepting Pakistan’s invitation a delegation of Hurriyat (M) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq visited Pakistan. On the other hand Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s led Hurriyat denied to visit the Pakistan.

4. Curfew was imposed in major parts of Srinagar for six consecutive days after some skirmishes between two communities in Zadibal area was reported.

5. The valley joined the almost 54 Muslims countries to register protest against the video containing disrespect to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sponsored by some western countries.

6. The News related to Shahrukh Khan’s professional visit to Kashmir got some space in front page on various local Newspapers.

7. On his first visit to Kashmir as President, Pranab Mukherjee makes his presence at 18th convocation of University of Kashmir. Much talked Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remains out of Kashmir during the occasion.

8. In 2012, Kashmir also witnessed various encounters between Security Force and militants.

9. The ruling National Conference-Congress coalition swept the Legislative Council polls.

10. Gas crisis in Jammu and Kashmir turned into a minor law and order problems in some far villages as well as in Srinagar.

11. Yasin Malik visited Pakistan to depose before the Special Commission, constituted by the Supreme Court of the neighbouring country, probing the `Memogate`.  Meanwhile in 2012 Yasin Malik also lost his father.

12. 2012 begins with a gory incident as Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) allegedly killed 18-year-old student in a firing incident outside the NHPC-run Uri power project at Boniyar, 90 kms from Srinagar.

The writer can be reached at: bilalbashirbhat@gmail.com

Read more...

MUSHARRAF’S FOUR POINT FORMULA CAN’T BE FOLLOWED: GEELANI

Srinagar 30, December (Only Kashmir) : Hurriyat conference in its flat reply made it clear that four point formula of Pervez Musharraf is not a practicable solution for Kashmir dispute and added that the formula is not clear with regards to self-determination and there is no mention for sacrificses offered. Statement added that pervaiaz Musharraf in his one to one meeting with Syed Ali Geelani has explained the blue print of his formula and confirmed it just a status quo and the formula was presented in a best possible lucid language. Sunday in a press release spokesman Ayaz Akbar said that Hurriyat does not believe in aggressive and offensive statement to curb freedom of expression and we fallow it and added that in order to represent the facts in its right perspective and believe it an obligatory duty to explain that the Musharraf formula is deceptive in its nature and nothing else and making it a debatable is a step to make Kashmir issue a confusion. Spokesman in his statement added that the best and the possible solution of Kashmir dispute lies in the resolutions of United States and added that Hurriyat constitution adopted in 1993, there exists an option that in case the possible hurdles, the final resolution can be sought through UN resolutions or under the supervision of a friendly country from international community and taking full considerations of the aspirations and sacrifices of the people state. Statement explained that no more chances of exhibition of flexibility other than already discussed, because we believe that constitution already adopted in Hurriyat confrence ,any other concept opted will means that the people of Kashmir have to give up their demand for complete freedom and accept other options. The state ment said, in a historical meeting with Syed Ali Geelani and Pervaiz Musharaf ,the latter presented the sketch of the possible formula ,that was same and nothing different from that of autonomy and self-rule of National confrence and PDP,nor there was a slight mention of right of self-determination. Musharraf formula as already explained, has notified and suggested self-rule for Kashmiri language speaking population instead of slight mention of the stating the 1947 position. There is no mention of demilitarization instead it has mentioned the civil and populated areas for possible demilitarized . The statement added that Musharraf formula lays stress on flexibility of borders and has concluded over the joint control of India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir territory .The main aim of the formula is to make the borders flexible for possible and easy exchange of border visits . Spokesman in his statement added that the main theme of the Musharraf formula is to maintain status qou and for the said reason the said formula has been made lucid and presented in parliamentarian language. Hurriyat reiterated its stand that we have rejected its contents the very first day and we once again reject it without any ambiguity. Spokesman in his statement made it clear that the on-going freedom movement is indigenous in nature but India strain very nerve to malign it and links it with other world issues and is trying it’s hard to convince that the movement is a reaction and result of intervention from the other side of border. The situation demands that people of Kashmir should in no way do the things which may change the discourse and real stand with regards to Kashmir issue. (OK)

Read more...

APHC DELEGATION VISIT TO PAKISTAN A SUCCESSFUL EXERCISE: MIRWAIZ

Srinagar, Dec 28: (Only Kashmir):  APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today convened an extraordinary joint meeting of the conglomerate’s executive and general council at the party headquarters. The meeting was attended by the heads of all the constituent members of the conglomerate. Apart from discussing the ongoing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the recently concluded visit of the high level hurriyat delegation to Pakistan also came under the discussions.

APHC Chairman apprised the participants about the visit to Pakistan and its historical importance and its concrete results in connection with the solution of Kashmir. He also made them aware about the changing political scenario on global level regarding Kashmir issue.

Terming the recent visit of APHC delegation to Pakistan as a successful exercise, Mirwaiz said that Aphc leadership met the members of Pakistani establishment including the present dispensation, the members of the opposition, civil society and leader from Azad Kashmir. He said intense deliberations were held with them in connection with the solution of K issue. He further said that the hurriyat delegation had a mandate of the Kashmiri public, adding, a month long discussions were held with intellectuals, traders, and other shades of society in Jammu and Kashmir before leaving for the visit.

He said the government of Pakistan and People of Pakistan had a similar view regarding the Kashmir issue. Mirwaiz further stated that APHC visit to Pakistan should be seen in a realistic perspective in context with the Kashmir dispute.

APHC Chairman said that the conglomerate was not against the confidence building measures taken by the Pakistan and India to improve the relations even if the various issues like Sir Creek, Siachen and Water are yet to be resolved. He, however, said that without solving K issue, the CBM’s would prove to be a futile exercise between the two countries. He said solution of K issue was a key to resolve all other lingering issues between India and Pakistan. Asserting a new thinking was emerging regarding the world conflicts after the Arab Spring, Mirwaiz stressed on India to take a cue from the people’s movement around the globe and accept the ground reality. He said GOI should shun its traditional policy of obduracy on K dispute as it would only complicate the problem instead of resolving it. He said the mass participation of Kashmiri people in the revolutions of 2008 and 2010 had already proved that Kashmiri aspiration and emotions can’t be ignored, if any political process has to be made result-oriented. Mirwaiz said the world was not seeing Kashmir as a dispute between two countries, but as a vital international conflict whose resolution was must to bring peace and stability to south Asia.   He said the time has come to show the political resolve and take bold steps to solve the dispute for once and all.

APHC Chairman stressed that K dispute should seen also be seen through the prism of Afghanistan. He said as Indo-pak relations are  also viewed though the Afghan conflict, it holds true for Kashmir conflict as well. He said that the bilateral engagements have always proven to be meaningless to solve Kashmir issue. Mirwaiz said Tashkent, Shimla and Agra agreements have proven that.(OK)

Read more...

DELHI GANG RAPE ACCUSED SHOULD BE HANGED: GEELANI

Srinagar Dec 23 (Only Kashmir): Following after J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and MLA Langate Er Rashid today the chairman of his Hurriyat Faction Syed Ali Shah Geelani  has expressed his grief over the brutal gang rape of young girl in Delhi and suggested that the accused in the said cases be dealt under Islamic Law.  Syed Ali Geelani in his statement TO Only Kashmir said said the people in India are adopting the double standard and come on streets to protest against this, but in Jammu And Kashmir during last two decades such incidents are common and not a single person protested and nor the accused were brought to book .Citing the examples of Kunan poshpora ,Chanpora Jigerpora Shopian and double murder and rape cases of Asia and Nelofar ,Syed Ali Geelani said ,though the accused were identified but were let free and no one was penalised or punished for the crime and added that even the then home minister of India L K Advani declared that the forces cannot be convicted otherwise their ‘’morale will be at stake. ”and even the Home minster added if the forces are indicted ,they cannot ,’’serve ‘’ the nation .Pro freedom leader while expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victim said, ‘we feel deep pain for this ,but the people of India should raise their voice and protest in the same way they have expressed for this case in Delhi.(OK)

Read more...

KASHMIR BAGGED THE POVERTY REDUCTION AWARD

Srinagar Dec 23 (Only Kashmir): After bagging the best State Awards in the sectors of health, horticulture and forest protection successively, the Jammu and Kashmir State grabbed the Best Award for Poverty Reduction conferred to Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah by Speaker Lok Sabha, Meera Kumar at the awards giving function of IBN7 Diamond States Awards 2012 here on Saturday evening.

            This is yet another feather in the cap of Omar Abdullah led coalition government for its good-governance and commitment for equitable development and poverty alleviation. The last four years have witnessed path breaking initiatives of present dispensation aimed at upgrading basic amenities, reaching out to all areas equitably on development front, empowering common man, strengthening institutions, bringing transparency, making public service delivery fast and administration answerable before the people besides working for restoration of peace in the State.

            The efforts of the government are being recognized by independent organizations and media houses regularly. As a part of this recognition, the Jammu and Kashmir State was awarded the prestigious Best State Award for Poverty Reduction by the Jury of IBN7 Diamond States Awards 2012 and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah received the prestigious award at the hands of Speaker Lok Sabha, Meira Kumar.

            While receiving the award, Omar Abdullah said that the process of poverty alleviation was kick-started in the State by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah when he announced and implemented Agrarian Reforms and made former owner of the agriculture land free of cost. (OK)

Read more...

WHEN DELHI TURNED KASHMIR

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat

Police fired teargas shells and resorted to lathicharge and use of water cannons on Saturday to disperse thousands of people who had gathered at Raisina Hill close to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman in a bus seven days ago. 

These types of stories can only be reported from Kashmir, as Kashmir is the hub of Stone Pelting whatever the reasons are.

After 2010 Kashmir agitation National channels felt mum regarding the same type of protests related to Kashmir. Indian Media while showing their Hypocrisy broadcasted the whole coverage live throughout the day. Even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh within no time directed home minister Sushilkumar Shinde to ensure sense of security in Delhi. Central Cabinet Minister RPN in a live interview said "Government is hearing them (the protesters) loud and clear”.

These types of statements and initiatives was also the need of hour since June 2010 after Tufail Matoo was brutality killed, perhaps that could have saved almost 120 precious lives. 

However generally world and particularly Kashmir understands the significance, pain and the grief of these protests held in Delhi as whole Kashmir was boiled consequently after the gory year in 2009 after the alleged abduction; gang rape and murder of two young women in mysterious circumstances came into news. There were violent protests against the incident, as it was alleged that CRPF personnel are behind raping and murdering of Neelofar and Asiya. Shopian rape and murder case agitation gripped the whole valley which results the death of almost 60 youth. Finally the case was handed over to CBI.

This incident and those protests of 2009 were too unnoticed in National Media against recent rape incident in New Delhi. 

History is the witness of another incident of Kunan Poshpora Kupwara where at least 53 women were allegedly gang-raped without any consideration of their age, married, unmarried, pregnancy etc gang raped by  Indian army during a search and interrogation operation in the village Kunan Poshpora village.  The United States Department of State, in its 1992 report on international human rights, rejected the Indian government's conclusion, and determined that there was "was credible evidence to support charges that an elite army unit engaged in mass rape in the Kashmiri village of Kunan Poshpora.  Even according to Human Rights Watch statics the number of raped women could be as high as 100.

Despite these quoted statements the Indian investigations agencies termed this incident as "baseless. 

Anyways such cases and incidents are condemnable according to my opinion it’s only the path of Islam which not only secure girl but felicitates her respect too.  However Indian media and the people of India should also feel the pain of Kashmiries who witnessed such various incidents during past many years.

(The writer can be reached at: bilalbashirbhat@gmail.com)

Read more...

FIRST EVER “TRAVEL JUNCTION” E-TRAVEL PORTAL LAUNCHED IN KASHMIR

Srinagar Dec 22 (Only Kashmir): First of its kind E-Travel website was launched at an impressive function at SKICC, Srinagar today. The online travel Portal by Travel Junction 24x7 was launched by Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone. 

While inaugurating the said website Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone said that valley of Kashmir has always been a place of attraction for the people of the country as well as abroad. Calling Kashmir a paradise on earth, Mr. Lone said that the backbone of the economy of the state is either tourism or horticulture and special attention needs to be paid towards these vital sectors.

According to Only Kashmir sources Speaker while Lauding the organizers of the function said such steps would definitely make tourism a successful venture for all stake holders as well as the groups visiting the state for enjoying the scenic beauty as well as hospitality for which the state is famous. 

Emphasizing upon the officers of tourism department to extend all possible facilities to the tourists, Mr. Lone directed for maintaining the tourism infrastructure and giving facelift to various tourist spots for attracting more and more visitors to the state.    

Speaking on the occasion Director Tousrism Mr Talat Parvaiz stress upon tourism operators to work with honesty and dedication, the Speaker quoted the important saying “Honesty is the best policy” and hoped that every visiting person will be treated with care and enthusiasm by the people connected with tourism sector particularly.

Mr. Sheikh Nasir Reyaz, a young dynamic entrepreneur and (CEO) of Travel Junction 24×7 stated that with the launch of E-travel portal the travel and tourism related paradigms would witness a positive revolutionary change wherein the needs of both inbound and outbound travelers are catered. Nasir Reyaz thanked the audience and guests for being the part of event. 

Meanwhile many prominent personalities and a galaxy of Journalists were present on the occasion. (OK)

Read more...

OMAR WELCOMES HURRIYAT’S TOUR OF PAKISTAN

Srinagar, Dec 20 (Only Kashmir):  – While welcoming talks between leaders of certain separatist groups of Kashmir and Islamabad, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday emphasized similar dialogue between them and New Delhi adding that lopsided dialogue process would not yield any result.

 “After returning from Pakistan they should also talk to Indian leadership. No one has put any condition for talks for them”, he said adding that separatists should put their agenda before the people and accordingly initiate dialogue with Government of India unconditionally to work out solution to J&K centric political issues acceptable to all stakeholders.

Referring that separatist group which has not gone to Pakistan for talks, the Chief Minister said that when it is an universal truth that militancy has achieved nothing and dialogue is only way forward to settle problems, the other separatist group should also get involved in talks to address complex issues for the good of general public and peace and prosperity in the State.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a function after inaugurating 76 metres long old heritage Zainakadal Timber Bridge after it has been restored and made pliable for pedestrian and light vehicles. He also laid foundation of new bridge downstream Jhelum in Zainakadal area. (OK)

Read more...

MIRWAIZ UMAR SHARED STAGE WITH IMRAN KHAN

Islamabad Dec 18 (Only Kashmir): Chairman of his Hurriyat Faction Mirwaiz Umar Farooq along with other six delegates of Hurriyat (M) met today cricketer turned Politian Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan here in Islamabad Pakistan. Addressing a joint press conference along with Imran Khan, Mirwaiz said India has tried to suppress the Kashmiri people by using force but it has now realized that these tactics have been ineffective. “The only solution to the Kashmir issue is through dialogue,” said Mirwaiz

Mirwaiz said that draconian laws need to be abolished and efforts have to be made to resolve the problems at hand if law and order and peace are to be maintained.

 Going forward, he said that Pakistan has assured that the Kashmir issue is always on its agenda during dialogues with the Indian authorities. (OK)

Read more...

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TRAINING FOR KAS OFFICERS HELD AT IMPA

Srinagar Dec 18 (Only Kashmir):  A Disaster Preparedness Training Programme organized by Divisional Disaster Management was held at Institute of Management and Public Administration here, today.

In the training programme about 31 KAS probationers of batch 2011 participated and were acquainted with various disaster management techniques on the occasion.

According to Only Kashmir sources various precautionary and safety measures regarding First Aid, Fire Fighting, LPG leakage, Search & Rescue  and other natural and man-made disasters were demonstrated through Power Point presentation besides a live demonstration of rescue equipment's used by Fire and Emergency Services was also presented on the occasion.

The programme was moderated by Coordinator, Disaster Management & OSD with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Aamir Ali, Course Coordinator IMPA, Dr. Jehan Ara Jabeen, Dr. Samia Jabeen, Joint Director Fire and Emergency Services, R T Dubey, First Aid trainer Dr. I P S Bali, Secretary Regional Red Cross Abdul Jabbar Chakat, Senior Sales Officer HPCL, Haroon Hameed,  Gas Safety Product distributor, Sartaj Ahmed Parry besides  Civil Defence trainers Abdul Gaffar and Shakeel Ahmad were present on the occasion. A mock drill was also held on the occasion, in which the KAS officers also participated.(OK)

Read more...

HYDERABAD UNIVERSITY’S FELICITATION LETTER TO KH. RINZU SHAH, SLAP FOR JEALOUSY PEOPLE

Exclusive
Srinagar, Dec 12 (Only Kashmir): One of the newspapers of Jammu based on wrong report had tried to tarnish big achievement of Khawaja Farooq Renzu out of sheer jealousy. A Jammu based newspaper published news that “None of the book of Renzu Shah has been included in the M Phil syllabus of Central University Hyderabad.” Following the publication of this baseless News on a Jammu based News website Only Kashmir directly contact with Khwaja Renzushah regarding the matter. Meanwhile Khwaja Renzushah forwarded a scanned copy of written felicitation letter to Only Kashmir which was rewarded him by Dr. Nishath, Assistant Proffesor Deptt of Urdu University of Hyderabad. “One of the research assignment has been given to Manzoor Hussain on famous novel of Renzushah Zakhmon KI Saalgirah in a written communication, Dr Nishet Ahmad assistant professor humanities Hyderbad University has intimated that research scholar will be conducting the research on novel,” the letter reads. 

Meanwhile various intellectuals and literally circles have felicitated Kh. Rinzu Shah for his Novel’s inclusion in syllabus of Hyderabad University for M.Phil course. Sources told Only Kashmir, Novel of Rinzu ‘Zakmo Ki Saalgerah’ getting as research syllabus for M.phil degree is being appreciated. While appreciating a step, Aalmi Urdu Federation and J&K Chapter has observed that the step will encourage more and more novelists to find their place in wider literally canvas. 

Allah Baksh, Afzal Buland, Zafar Kirmani, Maikash Amori, Rouf Kadeem, Mirwaiz Arwani Movlana Latief Bukhari, DC Ananthnag Farooq Ahmad Shah, Rouf Punjabi, Aafaq Qadri, Syed Shamsu Din, Syed Abdur Rasheed, Movlana Jallaludin, Dr. Haleem Khateeb and other various prominent personalities inside and outside of Valley have felicitated Rinzu for getting his Novel’s inclusion in the syllabus of in one of the pretigious Universities of the sub-continent.

Meanwhile Chief Editor Only Kashmir Bilal Bashir Bhat has expressed his heartiest congratulations to Farooq Renzu Shah for the honour bestowed by him of his creation (Zakhmon KI Saalgirah). 

Read more...

RENZUSHAH’S NOVEL SELECTED FOR MPHIL RESEARCH, FELICITATION FROM EVERY CORNER

Srinagar Dec 08 (Only Kashmir): In a significant and landmark development, Zakhmon KI Saalgirah, the literary novel of renowned Kashmiri author Khwaja Renzushah has been selected by prestigious Hyderabad Central University as a syllabus novel for MPhil degree in the University for research by scholars. After conducting similar MPhil researchs on literary contributions of Munshi Prem Chand, Saadat Hussain Mantoo, Asmat Chugtai and other treasured literary books of globally acclaimed authors, Central University Hyderabad through its research scholars has reached the zenith of literary horizon. The research work for the year 2012 -2013 has been assigned to Kashmir based research scholar Manzoor Ahmad who will conduct his research for award of MPhil degree on Renzushah’s famous novel “Zakhmon Ki Saalgirah”.Earlier, in 2006 and 2009 Jammu University awarded MPhil degrees to Dr Imran Tak and Dr Irfan Qureshi for conducting research on rare literary short stories of Renzushah and research on spiritual content of his literary writings.

Khawaja Renzushah started his literary career from teenage when he was class 9th student. His first book "Doobtay Kinaray" was published when he was a student at SP College Srinagar and while recommending his literary works, the renowned literary personality of the time Aali Ahmad Saroor compared Renzushah’s Afsana with Munshi Prem Chand and observed that with the passage of time entire literary fraternity will understand the extraordinary literary content of Renzushah’s writings. Three researches on Renzushah’s literary contribution has proved the prophesy of Aali Ahmad Saroor as true.

Renzushah's first literary novel “Zakhmon Ki Saalgirah” was published in 1982 which received all round appreciation throughout the subcontinent. The bpook book was widely read in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The well-known personalities of the subcontinent documented their observation about valuable literary contribution at that time. Khwaja Renzushah was honored with AALMI URDU CONFERENCE award at New Delhi which he received at the hands of Prime Minister. This literary novel was followed by series of novels and other books in Urdu, English, and Kashmiri for which Renzushah received prestigious awards at state level, national level as well as at international level. He was honored by international literary organization at Los Angels USA and he also received awards at Tripoli and Syria for his literary contribution. Renzushah being the author of 11 books has assumed the status of being first living Kashmiri novelist and author, on whose literary works three MPhil degrees have been awarded to three Research Scholars. It is for the first time that Hyderabad Central University has selected the novel of any Kashmir-based author for research work.
FELICITATION FROM EVERY CORNER
Meanwhile various intellectuals and literally circles have felicitated Kh. Rinzu Shah for his Novel’s inclusion in syllabus of Hyderabad University for M.Phil course. Sources told Only Kashmir, Novel of Rinzu ‘Zakmo Ki Saalgerah’ getting as research syllabus for M.phil degree is being appreciated. While appreciating a step, Aalmi Urdu Federation and J&K Chapter has observed that the step will encourage more and more novelists to find their place in wider literally canvas. 
Allah Baksh, Afzal Buland, Zafar Kirmani, Maikash Amori, Rouf Kadeem, Mirwaiz Arwani Movlana Latief Bukhari, DC Ananthnag Farooq Ahmad Shah, Rouf Punjabi, Aafaq Qadri, Syed Shamsu Din, Syed Abdur Rasheed, Movlana Jallaludin, Dr. Haleem Khateeb and other various prominent personalities inside and outside of Valley have felicitated Rinzu for getting his Novel’s inclusion in the syllabus of in one of the pretigiousw Universities of the sub-continent.

Meanwhile Chief Editor Only Kashmir Bilal Bashir Bhat has expressed his heartiest congratulations to Farooq Renzu Shah for the honour bestowed by him of his creation (Zakhmon KI Saalgirah). 

Read more...

COALITION SWEEPS LC POLLS, REAL TEST WILL BE IN 2014: OMAR ABDULLAH

Jammu, Dec 06 (Only Kashmir): The ruling National Conference-Congress coalition has swept the Legislative Council polls for which counting took place early this morning. Of the four LC seats which went for polls on December 03, National Conference and Congress bagged two seats each.

For the K-1 constituency of Kashmir province, National Conference candidate Mr. Ali Muhammad Dar defeated his nearest rival Peer Muhammad Hussain of Peoples Democratic Party by a margin of 2675 votes. Of the 16155 votes polled for the constituency, Mr. Dar secured 8586 votes whileas Mr. Hussain got 5911 votes.

For the K-2 seat, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Monga of Congress defeated his nearest rival Mr. Yasir Reshi of PDP by a margin of 2565 votes. Mr. Monga secured 8659 votes whileas Mr. Reshi got 6094 votes.

For J-1 constituency Congress candidate Mr. Shyam Lal defeated his nearest rival Mr. Gurmeet Singh of PDP by a margin of 7034 votes. Of the 14874 votes polled, Mr. Shyam Lal secured 9123 votes whileas Mr. Gurmeet secured 2089 votes.

For the J-2 seat, Dr. Shahnaz Ganai of National Conference defeated her nearest rival Mr. Ved Prakash Gupta of PDP by a margin of 6917 votes. Of the 14812 votes polled for the constituency, Dr. Shahnaz secured 9070 votes whileas Mr. Gupta secured 2153 votes.

While Congratulating the winning candidates Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is also working president of National Conference said that the overwhelming victory of coalition candidates is heavy jolt to those (PDP leadership) who indulged in malicious propaganda against the coalition and tried their best to create wedge between the workers of Congress and National Conference at grass roots.

 “Your real test will be in 2014”, he added and told the workers to show same spirit and determination during the next assembly elections and depict coalition charisma.

The Chief Minister also congratulated the NC-Congress party workers and leaders on behalf of President National Conference Dr. Farooq Abdullah and said that Dr. Sahib has telephonically asked him to convey his message to the party workers of both Congress and National Conference for showing unity and strengthening the coalition” said Omar.

Meanwhile the newly elected members of the Legislative council Ali Muhammad Dar and Dr. Shahnaz Gania have thanked the Panchayat Members for reposing faith in them and electing them to represent them in the council.(OK)

Read more...

DESPITE GEELANI BOYCOTT CALL 90% PANCHAYAT MEMBERS CAST VOTE FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SEATS

Srinagar Dec 03 (Only Kashmir): Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Mr. Umang Narulla today said that 90% polling was reported in today’s voting for the four seats of Legislative Council.

Addressing a press conference here this evening, Mr. Narulla said the entire polling process remained incident free in all the 149 booths. He said polling material in respect of some snow bound areas like Kishtwar, Gurez, Machail, Zanaskar etc was airlifted. He said counting for the two seats of Kashmir would be held at SKICC, Srinagar while as for the two seats of Jammu would be held at Polytechnic College, Jammu and at respective district headquarters of Leh and Kargil.

The CEO said the Election Commission has appointed two observers and some micro-observers to monitor the election process. He said 5-8 complaints of violation of model code of conduct were received by the Commission which is being examined.

According to Div Com Kashmir Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon the district wise breakup of total votes polled is as follows: 

Srinagar: 100%, Budgam: 91.56%, Pulwama: 86.75%, 4. Anantnag: 95.87%, Baramulla 88.28%, Kupwara: 90.25%, Kulgam: 92.84%, Shopian: 92.68%, Bandipora 97.80%, Ganderbal 97.80%, Leh: 93.28%, Kargil: 65.37%

Recently Hurriyat (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani appealed Panches and Sarpanches to boycott the legislative council elections. In a statement issued here, Geelani said that those who damage the Kashmir cause are “committing sin and hurting the sacrifices offered by martyrs”. “India is using these elections as a tool to justify its occupation in Kashmir and those who cast votes, damage the Kashmir Cause”, reads the statement. 

Geelani said,“Panches and Sarpanches are a part of our society and they themselves have presented various sacrifices directly or indirectly. Coffins of martyrs have also come out of their houses, so they should not be the part of election process”. (OK)

Read more...

IMPACT OF AIDS OVER KASHMIR

Srinagar Dec 01, (Only Kashmir):  At least six out of every ten security personnel who undergo blood exams in Kashmir are reported as infected with HIV+ve. So far, there has been no authoritative survey on the health condition of large number of armed forces in Kashmir. Knowledgeable sources told Only Kashmir that the rotation of duties among security forces and army could be a major risk factor vis-à-vis AIDS. Doctors in Kashmir have raised concern over the fresh increase in the number people with HIV+ve cases. AIDS was until recently unknown to Kashmir. But there've been above 90 AIDS deaths since 2000, officials said. According to the figures available at Jammu and Kashmir State Aids Prevention and Control Society (JKSAPCS), there are 2573 total aids patients in the valley which include 434 in Kashmir and 2139 in Jammu division. Meawhile World Aids day was observed in valley today.  The Department of Health Services Kashmir organised World AIDS Day in collaboration with District tuberculosis Centre here today. Director Health Services Dr. Saleem-Ur-Rehman was the chief guest on the occasion while as Block Medical Officers, Zonal Medical Officers, Doctors, Paramedical, Asha workers and students also participated. Besides, the function was also attended by religious scholars intellectuals, academicians and social activists and bureaucrats.While addressing on the occasion the Director Health Services, Kashmir said that the department has already initiated steps to make people aware about the fatal disease and to wipe out the disease from the valley concrete measures are underway. Appealing people to cooperate with the department in curbing this menace, Dr. Saleem said it is people’s cooperation only which shall enable society to get rid of the disease. Advocating for maintaining the honour and dignity of a patient suffering from this disease, the Director said that society should always uphold the dignity of every individual inspite of the fact that the persons is suffering from such dreaded disease. He also made awareness about the causes of infection which include use of infected syringes by irresponsible medical staff, resulting in agony and suffering of an innocent person. He appealed people to be affectionate and sympathetic towards such patients so that proper medicine be made available to them. The function was also addressed by Principal S. P College, Srinagar  besides religious scholars. Meanwhile, World Aids Day was also observed at Sheikh-ul-Alam Budgam where district TB Control Society in collaboration with JandK Voluntary Health and Development Association organised a medical education resource programme also. About 200 participants were acquainted with the measures to control the HIV/AIDS and TB Co Infections on the occasion. A rally of school children was also organised by DHS Budgam on the occasion. (OK)

Read more...