Only Kashmir Bags Excellence in Journalism Award

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 28- Samad's Island of Peace, Nigeen, Srinagar continued its tradition of celebrating the World Peace Day with a grand programme held at the island on this eve on 28th September,2013  as the original date 21th being the global peace day was postponed on account of shutdown in Kashmir valley.

Samad Island of Peace under the auspices of its concern Kashmir Peace Network-( A nonprofit organization aimed at planting seeds of global peace and harmony) held a brainstorming debate on the issues of peace on the eve.

An impressive gathering of 500 people mostly students and peace activists were present on the occasion.

Iqbal Memorial school bagged most of the awards on the occasion in the debate commission. The panel of Jury adjudging the debaters was headed by vibrant young journalist Shahzad Hamdani, Director World Media Reporter .

On the occasion, the President of Jammu & Kashmir Young Journalist Association and Editor-in-Chief “Kashmir Media Watch”, Ajaz Ahmad War was awarded with certificate for upholding values and truth in Media.

Eminent young journalist Bilal Bashir Bhat, Editor-in-Chief “Only Kashmir” was awarded with certificate of excellence in Journalism. Dynamic youthful Journalist Rameez Makhdoomi, Editor-in-Chief “World Media Reporter” was awarded with excellence in Journalism certificate. Pertinently, Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, Editor-in-Chief Greater Kashmir, Shujaat Bukhari, Editor-in-Chief Rising Kashmir besides others were also felicitated with certificates in absentia.

Fayaz Ahmad, senior Photojournalist United News of India (UNI)  collected certificate on behalf of UNI head.

Eminent socio-political activist Tanveer Ahmad Wani, Ex-Director of School Education Miss Atiqa Banu, OSD/Spl Astt with Advisor to Hon'ble Chief Minister, J&K Aamir Ali and dynamic Young Journalists Kaiser Ahmad Mir, Faizan Bhat also dawned the occasion as observers with their august presence.

Earlier the function was started with Quranic recitation by renowned Islamic scholar of Valley Jinab Kursheed Kanoongu. The peace and tribute songs of Kashmir written and sung by young Rifat Jan which hve gained lot of popularity were also played on the occasion.

Pertinently, Bashir G. Ahmed, a  Kashmiri-American owner and Managing Director of the island and hotel and brain behind this world peace celebration first of its kind in South Asia Stated – “Keeping our tradition alive each year the island hosts a “peace workshop” for students from schools and colleges who discuss and debate the meaning of peace in the restive Kashmir Valley. We debate  about the peace that is realistic and how we can achieve it . I do this event and continue my peace efforts because I love Kashmir more than anything,”

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ATTENTION

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HASSAN ROHANI IS THE PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC IRAN

Tehran Jun 15 (Only Kashmir): Moderate candidate Hasan Rowhani will be the next president of Iran after winning over 50 per cent of the vote.

Iran's interior minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said that Rowhani obtained more than half of 36 million votes cast in Friday's election.

Rowhani was the lone moderate candidate in the race and supported by reformists in a race that once appeared solidly in the hands of Tehran's Islamic establishment.

Today Rowhani's supporters took to the streets in celebration of his win.

The vote brings an end to the eight-year era of the combative President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose 2009 re-election was steeped in controversy.

Candidates seen as hard-line loyalists included current nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and Khamenei adviser Ali Akbar Velayati.

Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, another conservative candidate who had been running far behind in second place, conceded defeat.

Rowhani has controversially vowed to follow a policy of detente and interaction with the outside world.

A victory by former nuclear negotiator Hasan Rowhani is seen as a setback for Iran's Islamic establishment.

The British Foreign Office said in a statement that it hoped Mr Rowhani would use his victory to engage with international concerns over Iran's nuclear programme and develop a "constructive" relationship with the wider international community.

"We note the announcement that Hassan Rouhani has won the Iranian presidential elections," the statement said.

'We call on him to use the opportunity to set Iran on a different course for the future: addressing international concerns about Iran's nuclear programme, taking forward a constructive relationship with the international community, and improving the political and human rights situation for the people of Iran.'

'We certainly encourage them to,' Psaki said. 'But certainly the history here and what happened just four years ago gives all of us pause.'

Irregularities in the vote count of the 2009 election were Ahmadinejad won led to millions of Iranians protesting the results.

The Supreme Leader did publicly endorse a successor for Ahmadinejad, who had a spectacular falling out with the theocracy over his attempts to challenge Khamenei's near-absolute powers.

The Ayatollah did not reveal who he was voting for when he cast his ballot today.

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NAWAZ SHARIF SWORN IN AS PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER

Islamabad June 05 (Only Kashmir): - Pakistan's parliament has elected Nawaz Sharif as prime minister, marking a historic transfer of power in a country that has undergone three military coups.

Sharif received 244 votes in the 342-seat parliament, returning him to the prime minister's office for an unprecedented third time. The vote was widely expected after Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N won the May 11 elections.

Sharif, who was deposed in a military coup in 1999, likely to face a mountain of challenges during his five year term, including rolling electricity blackouts and militant attacks.

 After being elected to the office of the prime minister, Nawaz Sharif addressed the National Assembly and vowed to fulfill the mandate entrusted upon him by the people of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Sharif thanked the MNAs who voted in today’s election and said the people’s verdict had shown that democracy was the only way forward.

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UNITY CONFERENCE HELD IN SRINAGAR

Srinagar June 04 (Only Kashmir): On the occasion of Imam Khumaini’s 24 death anniversary today the first of its kind Unity Conference “Ittihadi Milee Conference” was organized by Anjuma e Mazhar ul Islam Beerwah at local hotel in Srinagar.
The conference was attended by different walks and shades of life particularly senior separatist leaders and distinguished scholars of the Valley. The seminar was organised by Moulana Lateef Bukhari of the Anjuman e Mazhar ul Haq Beerwah who also happens to be the central Kashmir Mirwaiz. The conference was presided over by Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Bashir-ud-Din.
While speaking on the occasion the speakers draw attention that the unity conference provides an opportunity for different shades of people to share views and review problems facing Muslims.
The conferences discussed strengthen unity in the Islamic world particularly in Kashmir, solutions to the problems of Kashmiri Muslims and bring closer the scientific and cultural views of Muslim clerics.
Meanwhile speakers also hailed services of Imam Khumeini towards unity among ranks of Muslims. “The Imam was all along in favour of Unity among Muslims and supported their cause. “Although Iran has all along raised voice in favour of muslims and their issues. Imam was first to agitate creating of systems of governance on the basis of Islamic principles.”
Among others the conference was attended by Mufti Bashiruddin, Moulana Abbas Ansari, Advocate Zahid Ali, Nayeem Khan, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash,  Javid Mir, Zamrooda Habid and Abdul Rehman Shams Hasim Qureshi, Showkat Ahmad Bakshi, Agha Syed Hussain of Anjuman e Shr e Shian, Nisar Ahmad Rather, Hakim Abdul Rashid, Syed Yousuf ul Umar, Moulana Khurshid Ahmad Kanoongo and Bashir Ahmad of Haqqani Memorial Trust.
Renowned writers and artists Dr Javed Iqbal, Shahid Budgami, Yousus Syed Raza, Ghulam Ali Gulzar, Peerzada Nazir Ahmad Shah of Islamic Marriage Turst Bemina, Moulana Waheed Ahmad of Anjuman e Mazharul Haq, Sanjay Saraf of Kashmiri Pandit and Lok Janshakti Party.
The conference was also attended by Editor-in-Chief “Only Kashmir” Bilal Bashir Bhat. (OK)

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MEET THIS BLOOMING STAR OF VALLEY, FAIZAN MIR

Srinagar, June 01 (Only Kashmir/CNS): While confirming the Valley of Kashmir is full of talent an Eight Class Kashmiri student has invented a mathematical formula that enables anyone to solve the magic square game. Magic square is a game that is played in math. It is where there is a box and the arrangement of numbers when added up are all the same answer for every column and row.

Faizan Ali Mir son of Showkat Ali Mir resident of Chinkral Mohalla Habba Kadal who is a class 8th student studying at Saint Pauls International Academy was inspired to explore any possible means to get the entries for filling a magic square of any order.

The formula provides the key to ascertain the numbers. This formula saves time and energy in respect of solving the magic square problem. The constant term required for filling the Square was earlier rather impossible.

Talking to CNS Lecturer Mathematics, Shahbaz Hakbari who has recognized the formula said that by dint of this formula it has become anybody’s game. “The earlier formula has been extended and simplified to cover any range of natural numbers,” he said.

Meanwhile after the achievement of Faizan was cracked on Only Kashmir's official facebook page, a number of intellectuals, teachers and Bureaucrats as well as Ministers followed by a large number or common people extends their congratulated messages our this unique achievement.
Have a look to the said Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/onlykmr/posts/660624293954859

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PRESS REPORTS NOT SUFFICIENT AGAINST GULZAR BHAT: SUPREME COURT OF ISLAMIC SHARIET

Srinagar May 30 (Only Kashmir): A Spokesman of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of Islamic Shariet in a statement to Only Kashmir has clarified that no decision can be announced against or in favour of any person on the basis of the Press reports unless and until impartial enquiry of the allegation leveled against the concerned person are not proved. The Spokesman further stated that a Committee Headed by Advocate Mir Ghulam Nabi Sahib has already been constituted in the matter, report of which is awaited. Meanwhile the Spokesman of the Hon'ble Shariet Court has made an appeal to the General Public to be very careful such religious matters, because there is no space for creation of chaos and confusion among the society it is the need of the Hour to keep an eye against such wicked persons whose desire is always to create disturbances in the society. People should also make themselves fully aware about such activity. (OK)

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4,074 SECURITY PERSONNEL FOR 2,542 PEOPLE

Srinagar May 29 (Only Kashmir): The authorities today said that the security is provided to only 2,542 people facing threats from militants. An official reply to a Right to Information query said 2,542 people faced threats "and as such have been provided security cover". It said a total of 4,074 security personnel provided security to these people. It added that Rs.55.4 million worth of fuel was spent in 2012 on vehicles deployed with these 2,542 people. Though the reply said that many families of those getting protection were also provided security, no details were offered. "And we have 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. "Each cabinet minister moves with at least two security vehicles with at least two dozen security personnel... So, the number of protected persons and those giving protection is underplayed. The cost incurred on security too is not rightly reflected," the official said. (OK)

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MANMOHAN SINGH LIKELY TO INVITE KASHMIRI SEPARATISTS FOR TALKS

Srinagar May 28 (Only Kashmir): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to invite the Kashmir separatists group and all low profile separatist leaders which include Azam Inqlabi, Asiya Andrabi and Hilal Ahmad War and many others for round table conference during his visit to Valley. However in the wake of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit, both the factions of Hurriyat Conference as well as JKLF have adopted silence.
This will be the first interaction between Jammu and Kashmir's separatist group and the United Progressive Alliance after 2008-10 public agitation. However, yet the invitation has not been extended officially.
Pertinently state Congress Chief Prof Saifuddin Soz Monday advised Hurriyat Conference leaders to talk to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the latter’s visit to Kashmir next month. “The doors of dialogue from Prime Minister’s side are open. I think Hurriyat should talk and if they need any facilitation from me, I am ready. Dialogue will end political suffocation,” he added.
Meanwhile today MLA Langate Engineer Rashid Tuesday said that it will be a futile exercise for Hurriyat to meet Prime Minister of India during his Kashmir visit. “India is not sincere and Prof. Saif-u-Din Soz must explain for what he has extended invitation to Hurriyat to meet PM of India. Did Manmohan Singh act when Mufti Mohammad Syed and Omar Abdullah write a letter to him seeking the mortal remains of Afzal Guroo back to Kashmir,”
Engineer Rashid said that Soz has no authority to invite Hurriyat for talks with Prime Minister. Mere meeting the PM will not resolve the issue. Let India declare Kashmir as a dispute and talk to Hurriyat,” he said.

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IRREGULARITIES AT ITS PEAK IN SKICC

Srinagar, May 16, Only Kashmir: It has come to fore that Operations Sections at Sher-i-Kashmir International Complex (SKICC) has been involved in lot of wrong-doings while scores of private parties which booked SKICC lawns and halls on rental basis have alleged that they were cheated by the management. Besides, VIP Huts in premises of SKICC and Halls were provided to blue-eyed persons on complimentary basis duping state exchequer heavily.
The documents lying with a local reputed News Agency CNS reveal that VIP Huts in premises of SKICC are let out without any check. There is no proper record for occupancy of VIP Huts hence the occupancy bill record is not being provided to anyone. Huts occupied on 30/11/2012 and 01/12/2012, the General Manager Operations has replied that the guests of a Bureaucrat were staying in Huts and Director SKICC had ordered to give Huts to his guests on complimentary basis.
When contacted Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmed Mir told CNS that he would verify the matter thoroughly. “If any such thing has happened or has been happening, I assure you that I will personally look into the matter,” Mir said. (OK)

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SOME PEOPLE WANTED TO MALIGN MY IMAGE: SYED GULZAR

Srinagar May 15 (Only Kashmir): Renowned saint of Valley Syed Gulzar today said that some people are hell-bent to malign his image and are spewing venom against him on social networking sites. He appealed Civil Society and Law keeping agencies to cater and take care of such elements and stop them from assassinating somebody’s character. According to Only Kashmir monitoring  Syed Gulzar is propagating the message of Quran and Hadith in the light of global peace and harmony for last 16 years but some people are keen to malign his reputation out of Knowledge.
Pertinently, some users on social networking site, Facebook had uploaded some anti-saint post. In a statement, Syed Gulzar has called people to remain aloof from fake news items being propagated regarding the Islamic mission started by him.
“I have been propagating the message of Quran and Hadith in the light of global peace and harmony for last 16 years but some people are keen to malign my reputation. I appeal people to be cautious and alert and don’t give heed towards people,” the statement reads. (CNS)

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GHULAM AHMAD MIR KICKS OFF KASHMIR FESTIVAL

Srinagar, MAY 14 (Only Kashmir): Minister for Tourism Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir today inaugurated fortnight Kashmir Tourism festival 2013 at Kashmir Haat, where recreation facilities besides stalls have been put in place by different Departments to showcase the rich tourism, art and culture of the valley for attraction of tourists.The fortnight festival was organized by Tourism Department with financial assistance of Central Government and in collaboration with different departments. During the festival days different tourist related activities are being carried out at various tourism spots with focus to highlight adventure, golf, river and eco-tourism besides art and culture of the Valley.Union Tourism Secretary, Mr. Parvez Deewan, District Development Commissioner Srinagar, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director Tourism Kashmir, Mr. Talat Parvez, Chief executive Officer Go-air, senior officers of various Departments and representatives of Tourism Associations besides tourists and locals were among others present on the occasion. 
                Speaking at the inaugural function, Tourism Minister said that Kashmir festival was organized after a long gap with the aim to bring back the tourism sector on the “revival path”. He said through the festival, the government intends to introduce the cultural traditions including Sufi music, folklore and other art forms adding that the Tourism Department along with the J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL) is also hosting a two-month folk festival across the Valley these days. Mir said they were holding several adventure sports-related activities like paragliding and water sports that had not been exploited to its full potential.On the development of unexplored tourist destinations, Mir said the authorities could not fully develop the infrastructure due to the un-favourable conditions in the past. However, he said, the government was working on developing the required infrastructure so that the full potential of the tourism sector was exploited.He said the festival would not only help locals to come to know about their inheritance but their participation in the mega festival will depict a true picture of Kashmir’s rich culture which has no match in the entire world. He said “the two decade long turmoil completely hooked the chances of our younger generations to compete with the youth of other States of the Country. We want our youth to come out of the uncertainty which they faced these years,’’ he maintained. (OK)

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KASHMIR PROTEST AGAINST THE DESTRUCTION OF GRAVE OF THE GREAT COMPANION (SAHABA)

Srinagar, May 10 (Only Kashmir): According to Only Kashmir sources received here protest rallies were held today in various parts of Srinagar Kashmir against the destruction of Grave of the great companion (Sahaba) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Shahid Hijr ibn Adi (Ra), in the outskirts of Damascus by Salafist groups. As reported earlier in one of the recent posts of Only Kashmir the body Shahid H

ijr ibn Adi (Ra), was extracted up and taken to an unknown location by Salafist groups. In this connection various protest rallies held today after Friday congregation prayers in various places of Srinagar. 

“Hijr ibn Adi was a pious companion of the Prophet (saw) and played a vital role in the correction of the Ummah. During Muawiyah’s reign when the custom of cursing Ali from the pulpit’s of Mosques began, hearts of the Muslims were being bled dry but people bit their tongues fearing death. In Kufa, Hijr ibn Adi could not remain silent and he began to praise Ali (as) and condemn Muawiyah. Until Mughira remained the Governor of Kufa, he adopted a lenient attitude towards this, but when Ziyad’s Governorship of Basra was extended to include Kufa, serious altercations arose. He would curse Ali (as) during the sermons and Hijr would refute him.(OK)

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UNRESOLVED ABDUCTION CASE OF SHEERAZA, MOTHER OF TWO CHILDREN

Kousar Mohi ud din

Srinagar (Only Kashmir) May 09: Even after a fort night since the abductor of a mother of two children belonging to Soura Srinagar Mohammad Salim Sheikh was taken by police into custody, the case is still proving mystery for police giving a tough time to them for cracking the reality of the case.

The alleged kidnapper Mohammad Salim Sheikh, the son of a prominent Ikhwani leader and the alleged  abducted woman are both in the police custody, one is lodged in Soura Police Station and the other in Women Police station Rambagh.

 CNS learnt through reliable sources that the kidnapper has remarried clandestinely with Sheeraza, the wife of the Maqsood Ahmad Bhat of Chattergam Kute Pura. Sheeraza is the niece of his wife presently in wedlock with him.

The Mufti Azam J&K has termed this marriage contract as illegal and un Islamic saying that infringement of Shariya laws are great concern for all Muslims though belonging to different school of thoughts.

“The copy of fatwa announced against this marriage have also been also made available to different news agencies in Kashmir,” claimed inhabitants of Dagga Pora.

While talking to CNS they said that they are in great Shock and agony and they fail to understand that how they could protect their daughters and sisters from the clutches of such alleged rouges who according to them are being abetted by the police.

They blamed that Ayoub Sheikh an Ikhwan Leader and  a working member of PDP, Mohammad Altaf a panch from Sheikh Mohalla Daggarpora and Tariq Ahmad Sheikh an active Member of PDP  are supporting the kidnapper.

 They urged that prior the situation gets worsen more, the Divisional Kashmir and the Director General of Police and the law enforcing agencies shall take the cognizance of the case on its merit.

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JKYJA REMEMBERED JOURNALISTS ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

Srinagar May 03 (Only Kashmir): The Jammu & Kashmir Young Journalists Association (JKYJA) has held an important meeting at its office situated at Lal Chowk Srinagar to celebrate the 20 th annual World Press Freedom Day  and remembered those fearless journalists  who have died for their cause. 

 The meeting was presided over by JKYJA President, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad War. The meeting was attended by Bilal Furqani ( Vice President ) , Muhammad Tauseef Mir  (  General Secretary), Rameez Makhdoomi (Chief spokesman) , Majid Kapra, (organizer) , Bilal Bashir Bhat ( Treasurer) , Kaiser Ahmad ( publicity in charge  ), Advocate  Z. A .Quershi (Legal Advisor).

 Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

JKYJA pleaded that it is an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom - a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.

JKYJA said, “It is a date to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide”.

It serves as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

More than 600 journalists have been killed in the past decade, many while reporting in non-conflict situations. Impunity is also widespread as nine out of 10 cases of killings of journalists go unpunished. JKYJA President, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad War urged United Nations to ensure the safety of journalists (Traditional Media Persons and Digital Media Persons) in every country especially in Conflict Zones of the globe like Kashmir, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq etc.

JKYJA said the Journalism was facing different challenges and was passing through a critical phase and vowed to continue the mission of those fearless journalists who laid down their lives for fair and just journalism.

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EARTHQUAKE SHOOK JAMMU AND KASHMIR, 1 DIED

Jammu, May 1 (Only Kashmir): The Jammu region was today struck by an earthquake in forenoon about  12.30 hours leading to death of one person and injuries to fifty nine persons, while one of the  critically injured  has been airlifted to Jammu Medical College Hospital.

"Earthquake of magnitude 5.7 occured in East kashmir, 17 kms NE of Bhaderwah. Coordinates 33.1N, 75.8E at 12.27 pm. May Allah protect us all, as we are unprepared." Aamir Ali a subject expert post on Social networking site.

            As per preliminary reports received from concerned deputy commissioners, one person died and six others were injured in Kishtwar district. Among those injured in the district one person has been airlifted to GMCH Jammu for specialised treatment.

            In Doda district, about 45 persons were injured, including highest 27 in Gandoh,  6 in Thathri , 8 in Bhaderwah and 4 in Doda Tehsils.

Similarly eight persons have reportedly been injured in Ramban district.           However there were no reports of injury and damage in other districts of Jammu region.

            The tremor also caused damage to some private and government buildings in the affected areas. 

            Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, who is supervising the relief and rescue operation, has dispatched twenty tents and 100 blankets to be provided to the people rendered houseless in the affected areas.

             The Div Com has also directed all the District Development Commissioners (DDC)s, especially to the most affected districts of Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban,  to constitute  Tehsil Level Officers teams to conduct detailed assessment of human loss and property , if any.  The district administrations have also been asked to activate Civil Defence Organisation and Red Cross Volunteers to lend hand in relief and rescue operations.

            The DDC have also been asked to accommodate the persons, if any rendered houseless be accommodated in Community Halls and other suitable government buildings. 

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YASIR PANDIT CONDUCTED TOUR TO HIS CONSTITUENCY SONAWAR

Srinagar Apr 29 (Only Kashmir): To take stock of problems being faced by the people of his constituency Senior Congress Leader Yasir Pandit conducted an extensive tour of his constituency and held public meetings Sonawar from Dalgate to Cheki Dara, Harwan and adjoining areas. He gave a patient hearing to the problems faced by the people and assured them to reflect their demands to the concerned authorities.
During his visit Pandit met various party workers who raised their issues regarding their problems. While addressing series of public meetings he assured the people that their genuine problems will be taken up with concern authorities. While speaking to media Yasir said “I’ve focused my attention to upgrade and improve the living standard of the people of the Sonwar Constituency, especially the weaker sections of the society are my top priority.
While conducted tour Pandit found heaps of garbage on the streets & drainage system was defung he requested Municipal Commissioner to look into the matter personally. He also requested Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene in depilated condition of World famous Boulevard Road as concern MLA forget about how to use his CDF. He also draw attention to Director Tourism to intervene in the matter regarding last year street lights from Dalgate to Nehru Park in which tourism dept spend hefty amount of money but mostly lights are not functioning. During his interaction with people of the locality they complaint about irregular power supply as tourist season is starting & also various immoral activities are going on during night hours he appeals SSP Srinagar to look on the matter so that the people living there feel free & secure.

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N N VOHRA TO PLAY SECOND INNINGS IN JAMMU & KASHMIR

Srinagar Apr 27 (Only Kashmir): Known for his noble personality, the current Governer of Jammu and Kashmir Narinder Nath Vohra is set to ready to play his second innings as a Governor in the state. The former political secretary to the then Prime Minister of India Late I K Gujraaj have been appointed as Governor of J&K for the second consecutive term.
President Pranab Mukherjee has extended the term of Jammu and Kashmir Governor Narinder Nath Vohra, a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said Saturday. "The president is pleased to appoint Narinder Nath Vohra to be the governor of Jammu and Kashmir for a fresh term on the expiry of his present term," said the statement. According to Only Kashmir monitoring Vohra, a former bureaucrat and a security expert, was appointed governor of the troubled border state in June 2008 during Shrine Board agitation. (OK)

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COPYRIGHT DAY OBSERVED IN KASHMIR UNIVERSITY

Srinagar, April 23 (Only Kashmir): To discuss about the prospects, status of conventional books, scope of reading, intellectual copyrights and the possible threat posed by electronic and on-line media to the traditional form of book reading and writing, Allama Iqbal Library, University of Kashmir today observed the World Book and Copyright Day during which various activities including a book and poster exhibition was held at KU.

Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof AM Shah who was Chief Guest on the occasion appreciated the efforts of the Library in preserving the conventional books.

He said “We should also think as to how we can help students to strengthen creativity among them.”

Prof Shah also suggested that Allama Iqbal Library can conduct a seminar in collaboration with department of Library and Information Sciences to think about the future structure of libraries and ways to increase the readership among students

“I am also worried about the future of books in our society. There is a need to revise the present form of our libraries,” Prof Shah said.

Chief Librarian, Allama Iqbal Library, Dr. Abdul Majeed Baba, while talking about the importance of inculcating the reading habits among the youth said people should think about the various means, whereby they can foster reading habits amongst the younger generation.

“Great books by great authors will continue to survive despite the technological revolution changing our reading culture,” Dr. Baba said.

Prof Baba added “Both digital books and conventional books have their own roles to play in the society and they are going to serve their users for the times to come.”

He urged students not to make reading an obligation but a hobby and passion.

Dean Faculty Law, Prof Farooq Ahmed Mir talked about the laws governing the intellectual property and the monopoly of publishers on authors. He said due to the incorporation of Intellectual Property Rights Act authors feel secure about their works.

“Intellectual Property Rights Act is a global movement to protect the intellectual property of people.  Authors must come forward and press for their demands regarding their works,” said Prof Farooq.

Noted columnist and Producer EMMRC Ajaz- ul- Haque while talking about the transformation from print to on-line media said “We have become technophobes and technology has rendered us more virtual than real.”

However underlining a different perspective with the paradigm shift from print to on-line media Coordinator, Media Education Research Centre, KU Faruq Masudi said due to the technological boost we have been able to “preserve” the old classics for future generations.

“The advent of internet and open publishing ended the long domination of media moguls. Now with the help of internet everyone can publish without any gatekeeping,” Masudi said.

On the sidelines of the function, a book and poster exhibition was also inaugurated, which showcased the literary works of renowned authors of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The autobiographies, biographies of many noted personalities of the state were also put on exhibition there.

Later in the afternoon Vice Chancellor, KU, Prof Talat Ahmad visited the book and poster exhibition.

He also interacted with various visitors at the exhibition and participants of the poster exhibition and discussed themes of the various posters with the participants which included library professionals and students and scholars from dept of law and other departments of the varsity.

On the occasion Allama Iqbal Library also felicitated its three frequent users. During the function a printed file of Education Mail- an educational fortnightly was also presented to the library for archive by its Editor GH Gurkhoo. (OK)

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FAROOQ RENZU SHAH BLAMES MANIKA GANDHI AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER

Srinagar 21 April (Only Kashmir): The Insaaf Idara led by Kh. Farooq Renzu Shah expressed its deep anguish and dismay on cruel death of 26500 Pashmina goats in sequel to starvation and non availability of fodder. Insaaf which is social orginisation, pointed out that the basic situation which has led to such starvation of innocent goats has been deliberately caused by biased environmentalist Ms Manika Gandhi who always projected these Chiru and changra goats as sources of Shahtosh. It is because of her wrong and biased propaganda that she ensured banning of Shahtosh and consequently local Kashmiri handicraft related persons were rendered jobless. It has been traditionally people associated with Kashmiri Handicrafts who would ensure providing of fodder and food to such goats when this trade was free from any banned restrictions. They would use their wool for Shahtosh and Pashmina and never killed Chiru and Chitra for this purpose as wrongly projected by Ms Monika Gandhi’s environment organisation. Historically these handicrafts have been encouraged by Hazrat Bulbul Shah RH and Hazrat Ammir-i- KabirRH during their lifetimes. Since then this trade was flourishing from Qarakul lake of Kashgar up to Banihal passes of Kashmir. Even king Nepolian, was also presented Shahtosh Shawl by Kashmiri handicraft person but due to wrong campaign launched by Ms Manika Gandhi with deliberate target to bring this trade to stand still thousands of trades men were adversely effected. The Shahtosh was projected as smuggled item and so many Kashmiris associated with this trade were booked under various offences treating and confusing both Shahtosh and Pashmina as one stuff and unnecessary terming genuine and pious trade as illegal activity. These circumstances led to collapse of the Shahtosh and Pashmina Industry and these innocent goats could not get proper treatment and food. The lake of interaction between traders and source goats of Shahtosh and Pashmina led to their starvation. The result is obviously in the death of 26500 Pashmina goats in Chanthang area of Ladakh which is biggest environmental disaster of present era and no one had raised even finger on the personality responsible for such disaster. Insaaf reminded Manika Gandhi about anti polythene campaign which was started in Kashmir but she never extended her support for anti polythene campaign rather she helped 45 industries which were polythene manufacturing units inspite of the fact they were ordered to be closed by Supreme Court. This is clear example of her bias she believes in protecting harmful dogs on street but she engineers death of thousands of Pashmina goats which are source of livelihood of lakes of Kashmiries. (OK)

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