DR FAI TO GO TO JAIL FOR TWO YEARS

Washington Mar 31 (Only Kashmir): Kashmiri separatist Ghulam Nabi Fai was on Friday sentenced to two years in jail by a US court on charges of illegally working for Pakistani spy agency ISI to influence American policy on Kashmir. 62-year-old Fai was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release by a court in Alexandria, Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC.

Judge Liam O'Grady also asked Fai not to maintain any contact with the officials and agents of the Government of Pakistan and the ISI.

Fai was arrested by the FBI on July 19 last year and had subsequently pleaded guilty before the court to the charges of being a paid agent of the ISI.

Fai, who was represented by Nina Ginsberg in the court, said he would self surrender after graduation of his daughter on June 25.

The Judge told Fai that he can continue to work for the cause of Kashmiri people from the prison -- like write articles and do conference calls.

About 40 people were inside the court room -- mostly his friends and family members. The government attorney was Gordon D Kromberg.

After listening from both sides and also for a few minutes from Fai himself, the judge said: "sentencing is necessary" even though he has done moving things on behalf of people of Kashmir.

"I do not think you are ready to believe that by your acts you did a great harm to he US, you ignored that even after FBI brought this to your notice," Judge told Fai.

"You participated in a conspiracy to defraud the US and completely deceive the IRS. You knew Pakistan and the ISI was paying you in a manner because your actions would be consistent with theirs and you would represent their voice and you were willing to do so," the judge said.

"You were willing to defraud the IRS, willing to be allowed being given money by the Straw Donors to fund the Kashmir American Council -- to cover up the source of your funding and to engage with the Pakistani intelligence agency."

"The money that you received also allowed you to lead a comfortable life in the US, raise your kids and help the cause of Kashmir.

"It's troubling" that despite being approached by the US Government in March 2007 and 2010 you did not admit the role that Pakistan government and the ISI was playing in the KAC," Judge told Fai.

Fai said that he did not tow the Pakistani line and he always espoused the cause of independent Kashmir -- while Pakistan wants to make Kashmir part of it.

"Words possibly can't define the damage that I have done to my beautiful family and friends in the US and the damage that I have done to the Kashmir cause," Fai told the court.

"I never intended to harm anybody in the world, never intended to harm the US. My sole motivation was to work for the people of Kashmir and their right of self determination," he added.

Fai then went into propaganda mode and said: "I know the road to freedom is long but there is no short cut."

Fai said he has written 25 articles proposing that the best solution to the Kashmir problem was independence of Kashmir.

Judge commented: "I do not doubt your love for people of Kashmir" and then he went on to pronounce the judgement. (OK)

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ASIA’S LARGEST TULIP GARDEN TODAY THROWN OPEN TO VISITORS BY CHIEF MINISTER OMAR ABDULLAH.

Srinagar Mar 29 (Only Kashmir):– Expressing optimism for productive tourism season this year, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday emphasized the need for up to the mark preparedness to receive tourists and extend best service to them.

“Jammu and Kashmir State is a tourist state where the development and growth of tourism has direct bearing on the economy”, he said adding that one successful year of tourism last year opened hundreds of avenues of economic activities and livelihood generating ways and means for the people in the State particularly in the Valley.
Srinagar Tulip Garden open for visitors this morning here, the Chief Minister said that the grandeur, serenity, colorful tulip beds full of flowers, beautiful Zabarvan mountain range overlooking the garden and world famous Dal Lake at its base mesmerizes tourists and marks the spring beauty of the Valley. He said the garden this year has been opened a week earlier so that tourists present here could visit the garden.
Abdullah said that the arrival of over 13 lakh tourists to the Valley during last year has revived the glory of this sector. “Our efforts this year should be to rope in more visitors from the country and abroad. Germany has already withdrawn the advisory regarding travelling to the Valley”, he said expressing the hope that other countries would follow the suit.
for Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma and Minister of State for R&B, Javid Ahmad Dar were present on the occasion among others.
Floriculture, Sunil Misri stated that more than 3.20 lakh tulip bulbs of eight new varieties have been sown in the garden this year. He said in all we expect over one million tulips blooming in the garden which is spread over an area of 35 hectares and tulip cultivation is on over 12.5 hectares. (OK)

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DIRECTOR INFORMATION J&K STATE KH. FAROOQ RENZU SHAH FELICITATED

New Delhi Mar 25 (Only Kashmir): At a prestigious function organized by Media Federation of India (FDI) at FICCI International Auditorium New Delhi, the 6th Media Excellence Awards-2012 were given to various media personalities, electronic news channels of National and International repute, print media and FM radio channels on the basis of their extra-ordinary contribution in the field of media.

Director Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir State, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah was honoured with Media Excellence Award of the Year by Media Federation of India for media support.

On this occasion, 2500 media personalities from all over the country were present. Zee News, Sahara Samay, FM Radio Fever 104 and other electronic and print media were received the awards of the year in various capacities.

Khawaja Renzushah was selected for the award by the Executive Committee of Media Federation of India for proving his excellence in the field of media, dissemination of information and his contribution in literary activities.

The other media personalities who received theMedia Excellence Award include Mr. Uma Shankar Singh NDTV, Mr. Dilip Shukla, Editor Danik Bhaskar, Mr. Manoj Manu Channel Head Samay, Mr. Sharad and Nitin FM Radio, Mrs. Poonam Mehta Sahara NCR, Mr. Fazal Imam Mallic, Jansatta New Delhi, Priyanka Thakur, Channel One News, Ranjana Sharma, Samay News Channel, Mr. Asmi Raza, Editor Indian Dominion, Mr. Arun Keshri, Editor UNI-Varta, Mr. Shiv Bhattia, Advisor to CM Haryana, Mr. Harish Chopra, News Editor, Punjab Kesri, Mr. Ranjan Kumar, Samay, Mr. Anil Anand, General Secretary, Press Club of India, Mr. Deepak Gupta, AtoZ News, Mr.Kulin Gupta, TV 100 News and Sardar Gurbider Singh, Janta TV.

Meanwhile the Editor-in-Chief Only Kashmir Bilal Bashir Bhat on his Congratulation message to Kh Farooq Renzu said “ I personally thanks to Kh Renzu Sahib for his hard work and dedication, He is an inspiration to our young journalists and our community.” (OK)

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DARAKHSHAN'S POETRY BOOK CHAMAN BARG REZ RELEASED

Srinagar Mar 24 (Only Kashmir):It was a different nature of news from SDP president Dr Darakhshan Andrabi today. Her Kashmiri poetry collection Chaman Barg Rez was released today at Abhinav Theatre Jammu at a gracious function. The book was released by the Union Minister of New & Renewable energy Dr Farooq Abdullah in presence of J&K Minister of Tourism & Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora, Deputy Speaker of Legislative Council Mohammad Yousuf Teng, Commissioner Secretary Tourism & Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Mr Atul Duloo amid a galaxy of intellectuals, media persons, bureaucrats, writers and prominent citizens from different walks of life. The released book contains poems that have been written during the last fifteen years of turmoil in the state.

on the occasion Dr Abdullah asked Nawang Rigzin Jora to forward the recommendation of the state for conferring Padma Shree to Dr Darakhshan keeping in view her political, social and intellectual contribution. In his address Dr Farooq Abdullah said that he was thrilled to see the creative talent of the politician Darakhshan and this pursuit of her has established her as the intellectual politician of our state. He said that Darakhshan’s contribution to Urdu and Kashmiri literature is of immense importance and significance and she is going represent the genius of Jammu & Kashmir into whole of the world.
singer Deepali Wattal thrilled the jam packed Abhinav Theatre audience by singing two melodious ghazals of Darakhshan Andrabi.(OK)

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GOVERNOR, CM STRESS FAIR, OBJECTIVE NEWS REPORTING

Jammu Mar 23 (Only Kashmir): Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, and Mr. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, have stressed the importance of newspapers reporting fair and objective news, and reflected in the right perspective.

“You may act as prosecutors but passing judgments and jumping to conclusions is in no way the role of the press. When the story upon which media has passed judgment turns otherwise, it cannot be reversed, as the damage is already done”, the Chief Minister observed.
valid criticism on issues of governance, protection of Fundamental Rights, public service delivery and the functioning of institutions, the Governor underlined the importance of ensuring that news reporting and analysis is based on facts and entirely without any prejudice or prefixed agendas.
Governor and the Chief Minister were addressing a function organized by The Tribune Trust to launch “Jammu Tribune” here on Friday. The Governor was the Chief Guest at the function where the Chief Minister launched the “Jammu Tribune”.
Both the Governor and the Chief Minister, referring to the growth of IT sector and instant news availability to people through electronic devices, observed that this has generated a tremendous challenge for the print media to maintain its relevance.
Governor observed that the role of media in a democracy is that of a watchdog. “Like the Legislature, the print media has the responsibility of examining the performance of the Executive and highlighting public issues”, he said, adding that the reports in the media help in compelling the governments to take action on issues relating to governance, human rights, fundamental rights and other matters of public interest. However, he said that any judgment about right and wrong must be left to those concerned, without jumping to hasty conclusions and pronouncing verdicts.
The Governor said that there has been a growing trend, over the past years, of the media arriving at hasty conclusions and passing judgments on varied issues. He expressed the hope that the practice of objective news reporting and balanced analysis of events will be strictly followed by the media.
Chief Minister described media as one of the important pillars of democracy and highlighted its impact on the minds of people. He said that media now-a-days has become a mentor, investigator and prosecutor, but it should leave the role of judge to the people. “There are so many examples before us where media passes judgments and the facts ultimately prove differently. This is the point which pinches the shoe”, he said, adding that the passing of judgments without ascertaining facts, and biased projection of reports and individual slants is the cause for sleepless nights and not fair and truthful reporting.
Chief Minister also expressed surprise over the hypes created by media on certain issues and remaining totally quiet when the facts are proved otherwise. He gave the example of the children of an NRI couple in Norway.
Chief Minister also referred to the instant news reporting by electronic media and said that this scenario has thrown a great challenge on print media. He said in order to meet this challenge and maintain popularity among readers the print media has to prove prudent, vibrant, informative, educative and relevant.(OK)

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DEMANDS FOR FRESH J & K CRICKET ASSOCIATION ELECTIONS

Srinagar Mar 22 (Only Kashmir): At least 20 working committee members yesterday demanded that the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association president Farooq Abdullah dissolve the existing set-up of office bearers for the sake of an independent inquiry into the alleged embezzlement of funds.

"We demand that the president should dissolve the existing set up and call for a fresh election to pave way for an independent inquiry into the alleged scam," ex-chairman of Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association Mehboob Iqbal said in Srinagar.

The 20 members of the working committee met at the JKCA office in Srinagar and passed a resolution which also called for five-year ban on the two clubs represented by Ahsan Mirza and Mohammad Saleem Khan.

Mirza and Khan are accused of siphoning off JKCA funds when they were treasurer and general secretary of the association, respectively, in 2009.

The working committee members said that a detailed inquiry into the scam should be conducted to fix the responsibility and unmask the people involved in it.

"We don't want that only two persons be made the scapegoat for the irregularities. The chairman of the association cannot absolve himself of the responsibility and should immediately step down," Iqbal, who was flanked by 19 other members, said.

The JKCA has registered a case against Mirza and Khan for the alleged embezzlement of funds. Police has seized the records of the association from June 2011 onwards.

However, another ex-JKCA chairman Ashutosh Sharma claimed that the case registered against the duo was only an eyewash.

Asked about the records between June 2003 to May 2011, Sharma said the documents are still with Mirza.

In response to a question, they said an in-house probe by former sportspersons of the JKCA is a better option as the members are better acquainted with the business of the association.

Some of the members even called for the resignation of Abdullah, saying he will have to seek fresh mandate as and when elections are held.

The group, however, refuted claims that there is factionalism in the JKCA and dismissed suggestions that there are plans to float a parallel association. (OK)

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CYCLONIC WIND STORM: 1 DIED, 10,000 STRUCTURES DAMAGED, WEATHER LIKELY TO IMPROVE ON WEDNESDAY

Srinagar Mar 20 (Only Kashmir): A cyclonic wind storm started from afternoon of 19th March 2012, with an average speed of 24.7 knots and reached maximum speed of 40 knots. The minimum temperature increased by 12 degrees above normal, due to steep pressure gradient over the Valley causing a wind storm, which resulted in damage to properties, in the Valley. One person namely Mohammed Maqbool Magray S/o Mohammed Ramzan R/o Kachnambal, Kangan (District Ganderbal) Aged 45 years expired when a branch of Chinar tree fell on him.

In Srinagar district, heavy windstorm damaged the roof tops of 727 houses including a Masjid Rajab Sahib at Urdu Bazar. 400 houses were damaged in Harwan and 255 house were damaged in Nehru Park, besides, one person also received injuries. A Chinar tree fell in the Shalimar Garden. Two private vehicles were also damaged in the windstorm.

In Ganderbal District, roof tops of 202 structures were damaged including a Mosque in Safapora and two Schools in Gund.

In Kulgam District 56 structures including a Mosque and a School building at D.H Pora besides, three persons got injured at Qaimoh.

In district Anantnag 88 structures including few hotels in Pahalgam were damaged in the windstorms. One tourist got injured at Pahalgam, however, timely action of Pahalgam police saved five tourists at Pahalgam.

In District Pulwama three houses got damaged and one person was injured in the strong windstorm.

In Kupwara, Shopian and Awantipora rooftops of 34 houses were damaged by the windstorm.

In Bandipora Assistant Sub- Inspector Abdul Rashid Incharge Police Post Peth Kote received minor injuries when the roof top of the police post was brought down by the windstorm. The ASI was shifted to sub district hospital Bandipora for treatment. The roof tops of police station Bandipora and police station building Argam were also damaged in the windstorm.

Baramulla Uri Road was blocked at Bandi Uri due to landslide. The road was restored for movement of traffic in the afternoon.

Srinagar Baramulla road was also blocked near Hanjiwera Pattan due to felling on poplar tree on theNational Highway. (OK)

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LASHKAR’S THREAT TO KASHMIRI JOURNALISTS

Srinagar Mar 17 (Only Kashmir): Lashkar-e-Toiba—one of the several militant groups fighting government forces in Kashmir—has warned journalists of “stern consequences” if they don’t “desist” from reporting and publishing news that weakens “resistance movement” and “solidifies government’s grip” on Kashmir affairs.

“The government-paid reporters and news organizations are warned to shun their work for state/Central government, police and security agencies. Instead of strengthening the shackles of occupation, they (journalists) should highlight the plight of their brethren who are making supreme sacrifices in this war,” LeT’s Kashmir spokesperson Abdullah Ghaznavi told a local news agency KNS.

Ghaznavi said that members of outfits Al-Mansoorian, Al-Arifeen, Al-Nasireen, Save Kashmir Movement, Tehreek-e-Shariat Islami, Tahafuz-e-Shariyat Navaaz, Al-Jabaar, Jehad-Fil-Islam have participated in a meet and decided to intensify attacks in Kashmir in the coming days.

“We have evidences to back our remarks on these journalists. We’ve the footage of those working with English newspapers journalists who’ve been awarded with the government jobs by Indian security agencies. We’ll put this footage in public domain at the right time,” he said.

The LeT’s warning has come at a time when relations between Pakistan and India are warm and armed revolt in the Valley is on the ebb. The Kashmir media has often come under attack by militants, police and army over the past two decades of conflict.(OK)

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KASHMIR UNIVERSITY TO HOST 60TH ALL INDIA ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE

Srinagar, Mar 16 (Only Kashmir): All India Adult Education Association (IAEA), New Dehli has proposed to hold 60th All India Adult Education Conference in the University of Kashmir this year.

A meeting in this regard was held at University of Kashmir under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof. Talat Ahmad which was attended by the members from IAEA, New Dehli Including, Dr. K.C. Choudhary, General Secretary, IAEA and Shri. Mohan Kumar Director IAEA, New Dehli.

Nearly 300 delegates from all across India are going to attend the conference.

The meeting was also attended by Registrar University of Kashmir Prof. Syed Fayaz Ahmad, Provost, Prof. Naseem Ahmad Shah, Director DLL, and Dr. G. H. Mir and the Project Officers of DLL. Various modalities were worked out in the meeting for the smooth conduct of the three-day National Conference.(OK)

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MANSOOR IJAZ ARRANGED MEETING BETWEEN YASIN MALIK & RAW CHIEF

Islamabad/London 16 March (Only Kashmir): The memo commission held its proceedings on Thursday at the Islamabad High Court and the Pakistani High Commission in London.

Zahid Bukhari, the counsel for Husain Haqqani began his cross-examination of Ijaz.

During the cross-examination Ijaz informed the commission that he was in contact with intelligence agencies of several countries but could not give an exact number.

Ijaz also revealed that he had arranged for a meeting between Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik and officials from the Indian spy agency RAW. Ijaz refused to provide details.

As the cross-examination continued, Husain Haqqani also arrived at the Pakistani High Commission in London and appeared before the memo commission via video link.

The commission confirmed the validity of phone bills provided by Mansoor Ijaz and also opened a sealed envelope of the draft sent by the US businessman.

Justice Esa who heads the commission said that this was not a draft but a part of the information.

Zahid Bukhari also cross-examined Ijaz during the proceedings and stated that the US businessman was always against Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.

Ijaz replied that he was against proliferation not the nuclear programme.

Bukhari requested the memo commission to seek Ijaz’s passport so it could be examined for entry and exit stamps and the Mansoor Ijaz was told to bring his passport on Friday.

Prior to the proceedings, when Bukhari had arrived at the Pakistani High Commission he claimed he would be successful in proving that Ijaz was an enemy of Pakistan.

The counsel for the former ambassador further said that it was not a big deal for the Blackberry sim to be lost, and Ijaz was formulating a conspiracy which is why he was so careful with his sim.

Mansoor Ijaz prior to appearing before the commission said that during his cross-examination, Haqqani counsel will try to use misleading tactics rather than answering the charge of what was his (Haqqani’s) role in the memo issue.

“If he can’t answer any of those questions than his best defence is diversion” Ijaz said.

(Courtesy, The Nation London)

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OOPS, FIRDOUSA ALIAS BABY FALK IS NO MORE

New Delhi Mar 15 (Only Kashmir): Baby Falak, who moved the entire country with her suffering has died in AIIMS on Today evening after fighting a 2-month battle for life. Doctors said that the likely cause of the death was heart failure.

Baby Falak was brought to AIIMS and was admitted to the trauma centre on January 18 by a 14-year-old who claimed to be her mother. She severe head injury, both her arms broken, bite marks all over her body and her cheeks branded with hot iron.

She underwent a life saving surgery of the brain immediately after her admission in AIIMS. Later on, more surgeries followed to stabilize her condition. Doctors even conducted a tracheostomy on her.

Ten people including key-accused Raj Kumar Gupta who had handed over the baby to the 14-year-old girl have been arrested in the case. (OK)

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CPMG RELEASES POSTAGE STAMP ON 100 YEARS OF CIVIL AVIATION

Srinagar, Mar 15, (Only Kashmir): Hundred years ago, an aircraft flew from Allahabad to Naini carrying 6500 mails. This marked not only the birth of Commercial Civil Aviation in India but also the first Airmail Service in the world. To mark the 100 years of Civil Aviation, Department of Posts has brought out a commemorative stamp today. The stamp along with the special cover was released in a special function at Jammu Airport today by Shri John Samuel, Chief Postmaster General, Jammu and Kashmir.

During the function, Chief Postmaster General said that Civil Aviation in India has been the success story of last 100 years. He added that Civil Aviation started in India when the French pilot Monseigneur Piguet undertook the first commercial flight covering a distance of about 10 kilometres from Allahabad to Naini on Feb 18, 1911 for carrying mail.

John Samuel further added that the first domestic air route between Karachi and Delhi was opened in Dec 1912 by the Indian State Air Services in collaboration with the U.K based Imperial Airways. The Aviation industry gathered momentum in 1932 when J.R.D Tata founded Tata Airlines which later became Air India.

Amit Sharma, Director Postal Services J&K, Shri Sanjay Misri Manager Air India and Sh. M.Suresh Director Airport Authority Jammu and Sh. Rattan Lal Senior Superintendent post offices Jammu also spoke on the occasion. (OK)

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JAMMU & KASHMIR HAS 522 NEWSPAPERS

Jammu, March 13 (Only Kashmir): Government today disclosed that 522 newspapers were being published from various districts across the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a written reply to the question raised by the MLA Chaman Lal Gupta seeking details of daily, weekly, fortnightly and other papers being published in the state, the government said that 522 papers, including approved and not approved, are being published in Jammu and Kashmir.

About 522 newspapers 300 in Jammu region and 222 in Kashmir valley are being published in the state. The Jammu papers include 195 approved and 105 not approved.

On criteria fixed for circulation of advertisement, the government said, "The newspapers are categorized mainly on the basis of their circulation, tune, content, tenor, size and life of newspaper."

The government advertisements are issued in a judicious manner to all the newspapers approved by the Information Department without compromising the larger interests of the government.

"No quota of advertisements has been fixed for any newspaper but efforts are being made to release the advertisement on merit to the newspapers falling in a particular category," the government replied. Meanwhile, the government further said that four national newspapers headquartered outside the state, were publishing their local edition from Jammu.(OK)

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HAJI YUSUF'S LAWYER VISITS OMAR'S RESIDENCE

Srinagar March 14 (Only Kashmir) : The lawyer of deceased National Conference worker Haji Yusuf's kin Wednesday visited the official residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Following permission from the one-man judicial probe headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court, Justice H.S. Bedi, advocate Mushtaq Ahmad went to the Gupkar Road residence of Abdullah.

"I have seen the place today and familiarized myself with the topography. This will help me in cross examination of those who were present when Haji Yusuf was called to the chief minister's residence Sep 29 last year," the lawyer told media persons.

Asked what help would the visit provide for ascertaining the facts about Yusuf's death, the lawyer said: "I will not disclose my defence before the media."

The lawyer had moved an application before the commission of inquiry seeking permission to visit Abdullah's residence, the headquarters of the state Crime Branch and the police hospital in Srinagar, the three places Haji Yusuf went to before he died in police custody here Sep 30, 2011.

He was handed over to the Crime Branch by Abdullah who had called him to his residence after two party workers accused Haji Yusuf of taking bribes from them, promising one a legislator's job and the other a ministerial berth.

While the family alleged he had been tortured to death, an autopsy showed that Haji Yusuf died of cardiac arrest.(OK)

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DRAMA IN KASHMIR ASSEMBLY OVER CRICKET SCAM

Jammu Mar 13 (Only Kashmir): Pandemonium prevailed in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly here Tuesday after ruling National Conference (NC) members objected to the name of their party chief, union minister Farooq Abdullah, being mentioned in an alleged multi-crore rupee scam in the Jammu Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), of which he is the president.

Members of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), who mentioned Abdullah's name, countered by trooping to the speaker's podium, shouting slogans against the NC and demanding a CBI probe into the "embezzlement" of funds.

They also contended that "such bungling cannot happen without the connivance of Farooq Abdullah and (JKCA chairman) Mohammad Aslam Goni". Goni is Abdullah's political advisor.

After protesting for more than half-an-hour during question hour, the PDP members walked out of the house.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said: "It was now an acknowledged fact that the scam has taken place. It is evident from the fact that Goni has filed an FIR in Srinagar against the JKCA officials who had opened bogus accounts."

Mehbooba asked for a CBI probe into the scam. "If (organising committee chairman) Suresh Kalmadi could be booked for the scam in the Commonwealth Games, why can't similar action be taken against those who were at the helm of affairs in the JKCA," she asked.(OK)

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SEMINAR ON SHAH-I-HAMDAN BEGINS AT KASHMIR UNIVERSITY

Srinagar, Mar 13 (Only Kashmir): A 3-day international seminar on “Shah-I-Hamadan `s contribution to learning and society” organized by Shah-I-Hamadan Institute of Islamic studies began here at Kashmir University on Tuesday.

Prof M A Sofi while emphasizing the need for developing a scientific temper amongst young students and scholars in tune with the teachings of Quran and Sunna’ said that it has become very important in modern times to acquire oneself with contemporary idiom based on scientific outlook . He said the teaching of our great Sufi saints like Shah-I-Hamadan are in complete harmony with Quran and Sunna`h.

Calling upon the scholars, academicians, teachers and theologians of Islamic literature to spread the message of Islam and of revered Sufi saints with basic ingredients of character building, communal harmony, peace and brotherhood, Professor Sofi said “The success of social reformation lies in strengthening the character of the society and not in claiming superiority over one another.”

While informing the participants and scholars about the steps taken by the government of TajikistanIn in preserving the rich legacy of Shah-I-Hamadan Ambassador, Republic Of Tajikistan, Saidbeg Saidov who was chief guest during the inaugural session said “The republic of Tajikistan owes a great debt to the saint and to pay humble tributes to his rich contribution to art, culture, religion, crafts all over the world particularly in Central Asia and the India-subcontinent, one of the districts in Tajikistan has been named after Shah-I-Hamadan. He said that every year scholars in various Universities of Tajikistan bring out their research and PhD on various themes and dimensions of Shah-I-Hamadans life and works and international conferences are being held in the country to propagate the teachings and philosophy of the revered saint.

Announcing that the Republic of Tajikistan intends to sign an MoU with the Shah-i-Hamdan Institute of Islamic Studies Kashmir University, Saidov said “Our government aims to sign a MoU with the Islamic studies department of KU in educational and cultural exchange hopefully in 2014 . In recognition of the work done by the great saint in reforming the Muslim society, art and culture ,the republic of Tajikistan is celebrating 700th year in memory of Shah-I-Hamadan who emerged on the Islamic scene and visited to various places of the subcontinent including Kashmir Valley in 1372.” He said.

Speaking during the inaugural session, Director, Iran Culture House, Delhi Dr. Ali Dehgahi who was guest of honour on the occasion said “ Shah-I-Hamadan belonged to the whole world and not to any particular place or region and his message was very clear that humanity is not bound by language and geographical barriers.”

While delivering his key note address during the inaugural session of the 3-day seminar ,former Dean faculty of social science and renowned historian Prof. Muhammad Ishaq Khan said “ we must try to inculcate ethical and novel ideas of spiritual teaching in our young boys and girls so that they come to know about the rich contribution of our Sufi saints in revitalizing our society.” Prof Ishaq Khan delved on the historical role of Shah-I-Hamadan in introducing Islam in Kashmiri society .

Prof. Aziz –ud-din ,Dean , Faculty of Humanities and languages Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi while lamenting over the lack of attention being given to include the teachings of Shah-I-hamdan in the curriculum. (OK)

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15 UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES APPROVED FOR J&K

Jammu, March-12 (Only Kashmir)- Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Abdul Gani Malik has said that 15 University Campuses are approved in the state, of which 9 campuses have been established.

This was stated by the Minister in reply to a question by Mr. Sajad Ahmed Kitchloo in Legislative Assembly today. He said that Rs. 98.87 crore have been allocated for infrastructure development of these campuses by UGC, of which Rs. 8.15 crore stands expended so far.

The Minister said that 101 kanals of land has been identified in Kishtawar for setting up of University Campus there and process of land execution is under way.

In reply to another question by Mr. Ajaz Ahmed Jan, the Minister informed the House that University Campus at Poonch was established in 2008. He said for construction of the complex about 61 kanals of land has been transferred to Jammu University and contouring has been also done.

The Minister said the work for construction of Poonch Campus has been allotted to PWD and execution of work is likely to be started shortly.(OK)

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NEW ERA IN ISI, ZAHEERUL ISLAM REPLACES SHUJA PASHA

Islamabad Mar 09 (Only Kashmir): Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam was on Friday appointed the chief of the powerful ISI by Pakistan government, ending months of speculation about a third extension to incumbent Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha whose tenure ends on March 18. 56-year-old Islam, currently the military commander in Karachi, is considered close to army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. He served as Deputy ISI Director from 2008 to 2010.

"Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has appointed Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam, Corps Commander Karachi, as the new Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence," said a brief statement from the Premier's office.

His appointment ended speculation about a further extension to Pasha, who had been in the post since 2008 and got two extensions after reaching the age of retirement in 2010. Pasha is now due to retire on March 18.

Islam, who is due to retire in October 2014, comes from a military family of Punjab province. During his earlier stint in the ISI, he reportedly headed a section that dealt with domestic and counter-intelligence matters.

In his capacity as the head of the Karachi Corps, Islam played a key role in operations by security forces to control widespread ethnic and political violence in the financial hub of Karachi last year.

In the past few weeks, media reports had said several generals were in the running for the post of ISI chief, including Maj Gen Sahibzada Isfandiyar Ali Khan Pataudi, a Deputy Director General in the spy agency and an uncle of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan.(OK)

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GOVERNMENT COLLECTING INFORMATION ABOUT MISSING PERSONS IN J&K

Srinagar, Mar 9 (Only Kashmir): State Government today said that it was collecting information about the missing persons in Jammu and Kashmir and the same would be furnished during the current budget session.

The MLA Kulgam, M Y Tarigami had asked the government to provide particulars of the persons officially declared as missing till date and the number of cases in which FIRs have been registered. He had also sought report about action taken to trace out the disappeared persons with details of cases in which compensation has been paid.

Minister Incharge Home replied that the information is being collected and the same will be furnished during the current session.

To a question whether the government contemplates to constitute a Commission of Enquiry to probe the alleged cases of forced disappearance, the Home Minister said, “The idea of having a Truth and Reconciliation commission in the state was shared on the floor of the house during the last Budget Session of the state legislature by the Chief Minister. However, the constitution of such a commission would require wider consultations and a board consensus among all stakeholders including the Government of India. The government shall look into all the aspects relating to the establishment of such a Commission in consultation with all stake holders including the Government of India.”

Replying Tarigami’s other question regarding whether any survey has been conducted to ascertain the number of widows/orphans as a consequence of such disappearance and the steps taken to rehabilitate them, the Home Minister said, “No such survey has been conducted to ascertain the number of widows as a consequence of aforesaid disappearances. However, in 2007-08, the Rehabilitation Council of Social Welfare Department conducted a survey of widows, orphans and handicapped persons rendered so due to militancy related incidents. As per the survey, the number of widows, orphans and handicapped is 36,600 which includes 6345 widows of civilians, 2266 widows of militants, 20707 orphans of civilians, 5379 orphans of militants and 1903 disabled/handicapped persons. Financial assistance is being provided to them in the shape of pension, scholarship and marriage assistance.(OK)

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INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY: WOMEN ACTIVISTS LED BY ZAMROODA HABIB STAGES SILENT PROTEST IN SRINAGAR

Srinagar Mar 08, (Only Kashmir): Women's rights activists staged a silent protest in Srinagar Thursday against the alleged deteriorating women's rights scenario in Kashmir.

Lighting candles in broad daylight and carrying banners, over a dozen activists of the 'Muslim Khawateen Markaz' led by the group's chairperson, Zamrooda Habib, staged a protest sit-in inside Pratap Park on Residency Road.
Police asked the protesters to disperse as Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code was in force in the city under which an assembly of five or more persons is deemed unlawful.
The protesters later assembled at the Press Enclave and resumed their silent protest.
Zamrooda Habib told reporters that local women must have a say in the political decision making in the state.
'Women in Kashmir are highly depressed because of violations of their rights from different quarters. Those responsible for the violations of our rights are yet to be brought to justice. It is fashionable to talk of our rights on occasions like today, but after the so-called celebrations are over, women are again forgotten and treated as second class citizens,' Zamrooda told Media.
In the other hand while the world celebrated International Women's Day, a helpless woman in Ganderbal attempted suicide today after her husband abandoned her on a highway in Kashmir. Without giving her any idea about where she was, the husband literally threw her out of a truck on the Srinagar-Leh highway at Wussan village in north Kashmir's Ganderbal district.(OK)

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