Calling Yusuf PDP worker wont absolve Abdullah’s from ‘Murder’ charges; Mehbooba

Says, Farooq not ‘worth’ taking seriously.

Srinagar, April 8 (VOS):  Rubbishing the claims of National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdulah that Haji Yousf who died under mysterious conditions last year was a PDP worker, PDP Prsident Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that such claims won’t absolve Dr.  Abdullah  and  Chief minster Omar Abdullah from the allegations of murder and corruption. Mehbooba while talking to VOS strongly rejected the union minster’s claims that Yusuf had approached him to offer the support from 18 PDP MLA’s in 2008. “We had just 16 in the assembly that time, how come could one offer 18.”  asserted Mehbooba, adding that Yusuf had himself accepted that, he was minting money on senior Abdullah’s behest. “Yusuf categorically said that he had  collected a huge amount  for  National Conference .” claimed the PDP president.

She accused Dr. Farooq of deceiving people and maintained  that making such statements was  his  (Dr. farooq’s) routine business and stressed that he (Farooq) was not worth taking seriously. However   Mehbooba maintained that by making such statements Farooq intended to let himself and his son Omar Abdullah go off the hook in respect of the allegations of “murder” of Yusuf. “ If he says that Yusuf was a PDP worker, would that justify the murder. “asked Mehbooba, adding that let Farooq show a single photograph of Haji  with PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Syed  or herself .She  claimed that there were hundreds of photographs  showing Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullha  rubbing shoulders  with the deceased which according to her was itself a proof of the close ties Abdullahs   shared with Haji .

Pertinently National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday had claimed that the late Haji Yusuf who had died last year under, mysterious circumstances was basically a PDP worker. Dr. Farooq even claimed that Haji had approached him in 2008 and offered support of 18 PDP Mla’s to form the government which he (Farooq) didn’t heed to, saying, he was not in favor of  Aaya Ram Gaya Ram practice. “He (Haji ) was connected to PDP and came in my contact only in 2008 when he approached me with the claim that 18 opposition party MLAs were ready to support NC to form government in the state”, Dr Abdullah  had told media person in Jammu on Saturday. “I made it clear to him that I do not believe in Aya Ram Gaya Ram and would not indulge in this practice in future also”. He further added.

Omar wins the bet as Zardari fails to land in Kashmir.

Wants to visit Mirpur and Muzaferabad.

  

Srinagar, April8 (VOS);  Expressing his willingness to visit Mirpur and Muzaferabad , Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari owes him a rupee because he had bet that the Pakistani leader won't be able to visit Jammu and Kashmir on his India trip.

Speaking to a national News Chanel NDTV on Pak President’s meeting with Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh,, Abdullah recalled how during his visit to Pakistan in 2006, he had taken a bet of one rupee with Zardari that the latter won't able to visit Kashmir. "He has not and he owes me one rupee."

Abdullah said the visit of any Pakistani leader to Jammu and Kashmir was "long overdue".

Asked if he wanted Zardari to visit Jammu and Kashmir, the chief minister replied: "Certainly. It is long overdue. I would also like to visit Mirpur and Muzaffarabad (in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir)."

On the 40-minute meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Zardari, the chief minister said he "was not expecting too much in the first place".

He said he wanted the dialogue process to continue between the two countries.

"Nothing to be disappointed (about the Zardari trip). We wanted a continuous engagement. It is perhaps a possibility where in we can meet and talk...," he said.

Omar said "Jammu and Kashmir is an important issue between the two countries that has festered for very long".

"But this time we have not heard jingoism from Pakistan that Kashmir first and everything else later."

Asked about Manmohan Singh's proposed visit to Pakistan, Omar said the visit is "overdue" but anti-India terror should stop originating from that country.

"They will have to find time (for the vist). It won't make appealing visuals when the PM lands in Islamabad and Haafiz Saeed (Lashkar-e-Taiba founder) addressing an anti-India rally in Pakistan."

Omar also urged the two nations to replace the barter system of trade along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir with other financial terms or letter of credits as a new mechanism for commerce between the people of the territory divided between India and Pakistan.

PDP - Saboteurs of peace: Rana

‘Habitual of criticizing Govt’

Jammu, April 8 (VOS): The Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Devender Singh Rana said that PDP and its leadership are the saboteurs of peace for petty political gains unmindful of the ramification of their deeds. He said it is sad that in a state like Jammu and Kashmir where political parties must rise above politics and work together for the peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir, PDP has always indulged in political gimmickry for personal political ends sacrificing the interest of the state and its people.

Rana who was addressing a public meeting at Surinsar in Nagrota assembly constituency here today said that 1984-the murder of democracy, 1989-the sending of Jagmohan as Governor, the bloodshed and destruction between 1990 to 1996 and 2008 the Amarnath row are stigmas on the political scape of Jammu and Kashmir which have all been orchestrated by the PDP leadership in one way or the other leading to destabilization of peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said corruption is a menace which has to be fought and Omar Abdullah led coalition government has taken radical steps to create functional autonomous institutional mechanism to check that menace rather than mere sloganeering.

“PDP leadership is in a habit of leveling unsubstantiated, unfounded, vague charges of corruption in the last four years against the present government which is a sad commentary on their mind set. If it (PDP) has any substantial proof they must approach the autonomous institutions setup by the present government and prove their charges rather than just giving vent to their frustration by mere hollow sloganeering and leveling motivated charges, Rana said.

The Political Advisor said that the Omar Abdullah led coalition government has unleashed an era of unparallel, unprecedented development and has taken some important steps to tackle the issue of unemployment as also to address the issue of unauthorized, fake, adhoc and daily wagers appointments done by the PDP led government between 2002 to 2005.

Rana said the young men and women who are on the streets clamouring for justice today are the outcrop of plethora of fake/ unlawful appointments done between 2002 to 2005 by the PDP government to hoodwink the gullible youth of the state. He said, the present government has taken upon itself the challenge to resolve their issues and not let them suffer because of the wrong doings of the PDP government and so despite financial constraints is trying to find via-media to dispense justice to them.

Speaking at these places National Conference Provincial President, Rattan Lal Gupta asked the party rank and file and the National Conference delegates to strengthen the party at grass roots and play active role in development process.

He said during the last three year of the coalition government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah has kick started many developmental projects and laid out many developmental plans to be carried out in the next coming years.  He called upon the people to come forward and join hands together in the state government’s endeavor under the leadership of Omar Abdullah.

Rattan Lal Gupta said that the state government is committed to promote Tourism sector in the state and has taken important initiatives to attract tourists and pilgrim tourist to the state. He appealed the government to promote tourism activities in the Surinsar, Chountra Mata (Thial) and Jagannath Ji Temple which use to attract large number of pilgrim tourists. He also assured the people that their demand of Degree College at Majalta and ITI at Thial will be conveyed to the authorities.

Among others who were present on the occasion included Rameshwar Dutt, Block President J&K National Conference Block Dansal, Haji Mohammad Hussain,ex-MLC, Sarpanches Subash Singh, Girdhari Lal, Balwant Singh, Din Mohammad, Kirpal Singh, Bharat Singh, Joginder Lal, Mohan Lal and Gian Chand, Ch. Haroon Rashid, Som Nath Khajuria, Ch. Zaqir, Krishan Chand, Balwan Singh, Kuldeep Raj, Babu Khan, Girdhari Lal, Fareed Chowdhary, Ch. Sadiq, Hand Raj and others.

Zardari-Singh meeting evokes mixed response in Kashmir.

Separatists, mainstream parties welcome the visit.

Srinagar, April 8 (VOS): Even if the meeting between Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minster Manmohan Singh on Sunday at New Delhi was of informal nature, it has evoked a mixed response from both Separatist and mainstream camps in Kashmir.

 Mufti Mohammad Syeed

 Terming today’s meeting between Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari as a good beginning,  patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed hoped that this positive development would help in finding pragmatic solutions to a number of issues that affecting
relationship between the two neighboring countries. Addressing public meetings at Langotian and Chak Ahmad Yar villages in border belt of R S Pura,  Sayeed said that cordial relations between India and Pakistan were in the interest of the common people of both the countries. He observed that in the prevailing circumstances it was good opportunity to take some bold initiatives to solve all the ontentious issues. “Today’s meeting between Prime Minister of India and Pakistan President is not a coincidence but a positive development to further improve relations between two countries”, he said and hoped that this meeting would yield substantive results and the process started today would be taken to the logical conclusion. “Although all problems can not be solved in one meeting yet it is good thing that both the countries have now realized that dialogue must be continued to arrive solutions of all the issues affecting the bilateral relationship”, he said and expressed his satisfaction over the joint statement issued by both the leaders after the meeting. “Both India and Pakistan should seize the moment and turn it into a stepping stone to make substantial progress on all the issues including Jammu and Kashmir,” he said and hoped that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh would visit Pakistan very soon because invitation in this regard has been extended to him by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari during today’s meeting. He further hailed decision of both theleaders to follow up today’s decisions in coming days also. Mr Sayeed said that Pakistan has already taken the decision to  grant to Most Favoured Nation (MFN) to India and this bold decision could redefine the bilateral relations and regional equations in South Asia.

He said that such decision would help in strengthening trade relations between two countries. Reiterating stand of his party said that Indo-Pak amity was in the interest of the people of both the countries, Mufti reminded that it was PDP that has pioneered and implemented the peace and reconciliation process in this region. “PDP through its conviction and pro-peace policies had convinced both India and Pakistan to announce
cease-fire on the border”, he said and reminded the people about the historic rally of then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at Srinagar on April 18, 2003, in which Vajpayee had extended hands of friendship towards Pakistan at that time. “Today residents of border areas are living in peace and it was result of the policies of PDP”, he said.

Sheikh Nazir

Terming Indo-Pak talks new hope of resolving
unresolved issues, National Conference (NC) General Secretary Advocate
Sheikh Nazir Ahmad has welcomed the talks between Prime Minister Dr
Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.

The National Conference General Secretary said that people of the
entire state welcome the talks between Dr Manmohan Singh and Asif Ali
Zardai at New Delhi as the talks have provided another opportunity for
both the heads to resolve all outstanding issues including the vexed
Kashmir conflict, which is the main cause of hostility between the two
countries.

Advocate Sheikh Nazir Ahmad maintained that talks are the only option
in the present contemporary world to resolve conflicts peaceful as the
wars fought between the two countries have only brought death and
destruction in both countries.

The National Conference general secretary also said that people in
both the countries have realized war and hostility is not an option to
resolve conflicts and the leadership of both the countries should also
respect the peoples verdict and restart the composite dialogue process
in resolving all outstanding issues including the Kashmir issue.

Advocate Nazir Ahmad also said that Kashmir issue cannot be taken in
to backburner for longer as the entire National Conference leadership
will continue to give reminders to both the government to resolve
Kashmir issue. He also said that National Conference leadership
particularly Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had faced countless problems for
the resolution of the Kashmir issue and his party is committed to
resolve the issue.

The National Conference general secretary also said that entire
National Conference leadership is favouring that Siachin areas should
be considered non militarize zones as the climatic condition is taking
number of lives to soldiers of both the countries. “The yesterdays
incident at Siachin has indicated the fact that, the area should be
non militarized, we hope that talks in this issue will also restart
after meeting of Prime minister and Asif Ali Zardari,” he said.

The National Conference senior leader also said that once the
unresolved issues are resolved, a new era of peace and development
will start in entire south Asia and particularly in Kashmir.

“We are urging the heads of both the countries that all routes of
communication should be open for trade and easy movement of people.
The National Conference is again requesting the heads of both the
countries that all routes should be open for the larger interests of
the people,” he said.

Hurriyat Conference (M);

Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq while cautiously well coming the meeting said that both the countries need to move forward to settle the 6 decade old Kashmir issue.” We have seen so many times leaders and policy makers of both the countries coming together on the table, but it is unfortunate that they haven’t been able to move an inch forward on Kashmir issue.” Mirwaiz told VOS, adding that strengthening trade or issues like sarkreek were not sufficient to build the trust between the two neighboring countries. “ We don’t need events. There must be the initiation of a process which could lead us to  settlement.” asserted the Hurriyat Chairman. Expressing his willingness to help both the countries in their efforts of finding a settlement to Kashmir issue, Mirwaiz told VOS that there was a need to bring a change in mindset across the board. “ Bilawal Butho meeting Rahul Ghandi should be taken as a precursor of a need to change the mindsets.” Stressed Mirwaiz, demanding that India should not take Kashmir issue hostage to its traditional rhetoric of ‘Atoot ang’ (Integral Part).

Mirwaiz maintained that there was a need of developing a political will in both the countries to work for the settlement of the Kashmir .

  

Mehbooba Mufti.

Meanwhile PDP president Mehbooba Mufti while hoping that the visit could pave way for the  permanent settlement of Kashmir problem told VOS  that such meetings wont yield results until both the countries develop a political will to move forward. “ They could not implement what they had already agreed upon.” questioned  Mehbooba. Maintaining that Kashmir issue was too complicated to expect any overnight settlement to it, the PDP leader said that the leadership of both the countries need to hold the feet firmly and implement everything in practicality that has been agreed upon, to narrow down the trust deficit.

Kashmir Tourism rewarded for adventure Tourism,

Farooq vows to promote Valley and Ladakh as Prime golf destinations.

Srinagar, April 8 (VOS): In acknowledgement  to its efforts  and initiatives  to promote J&K as an ideal destination JK tourism Department  has been awarded  for adventure and Golf tourism, in an international conclave of tourism and awards  held at at shimla. The award was given by the chief minister of himachal pradesh in presence of union secre

tay of tourism G.O I   R H Khawaja and   manisha nanda  principal secretary civil aviation and tourism GOI .The impressive function was attended by most of the big  international and national names  of tourism and hospitality industry including  china ,malysia ,Thailand  Mauritious ,korea all the state tourism departments and .CEO’s of the private travel tourism companies and presidents of travel associations 

Meanwhile expressing his gratification over the achievement Director tourism Kashmir Farooq A shah told VOS that the state deserved it as their department had strived hard to utilize its natural potential to its maximum benefit. “ We have got a huge potential to make Kashmir and Ladakh the best golfing places on the planet.” Claimed Shah. He said that Kashmir had emerged as as an ideal adventure tourism destination along with Jammu and ladakh as “we as a state offer  natural platform   for all kinds of adventure tourism  ,white water rafting and sking in kashmir , kargil  zorbing and safari in leh ,paragliding in Jammu ,trekking and mountaineering in all parts of the state.” Farroq added that helisking and other such adventure activities make Jammu and Kashmir an ideal and exclusive state for adventure tourism apart from being the beautiful state. “ we have started a sustained but aggressive campaign to promote JK as the best destination for golf and conference tourism.” Told Shah, adding that Kashmir tourism department  will soon start a campaign PLAY IN PARADISE  and MEET IN PARADISE   to promote Kashmir as an ideal golfing and  conferencing venue along with Jammu and ladakh .

J&K Bank organises Jashne Aamad-e-Bahaar

Badamvaer blooms with fun and festivity

Srinagar, April 8 (VOS): All the roads in the old Srinagar today lead to historical Badamvaer where Jashne Aamad-e-Bahaar, organised by J&K Bank, appeared to herald publicly the arrival of spring in Kashmir.

Hundreds of families relished the precious moments of leisure under the shifting shades of almond trees across the park. Thousands thronged the park; young celebrated, kids had fun and elders turned nostalgic while ruminating over the past.

Festooned with the purple and white blossom across its panoramic landscape, the buzz of gleeful kids breathed verve into the sleepy soul of the park.

The hustle of the event radiated across the Srinagar and later in the afternoon people began to turn up from almost all its corners and beyond. Scores of tourists from outside the state could be spotted striking poses before the fountains, flower beds and almond trees in the afternoon.

Notably, J&K Bank has revived and restored the glory of Badamvaer under its Heritage Preservation Programme.

In the morning, Chairman and CEO J&K Bank Mushtaq Ahmad inaugurated the event by unveiling the black-stone, titled ‘Badamvaer in History’, upon which a brief historical overview of the park in English as well as Urdu has been inscribed. Present on the occasion were Executive Presidents, Tafazal Hussain, Sahibzada Ghulam Mohiuddin and Parvez Ahmad, Presidents, Meera Jamwal, Shafat Banday, Vagish Chander, Abdul Rashid, Nayeemullah, Mohammad Syed Wani, R. K. Shah & S. K. Bhat Vice-Presidents and other officials of the Bank.

Speaking on the occasion Chairman said, “Places like Badamvaer rejuvenate our cultural and spiritual collective and this initiative is one of the expressions of our commitment towards the cultural and emotional health of the people of this state. We have tried our best to restore its traditional and cultural essence using quite modern means in the process as well. 

“People have their deeper emotional equity invested in J&K Bank and we shall leave no stone unturned to come up to their expectations, always”, he added.

The Chairman also unveiled a poem-in-stone titled Badamvaer that noted poet and humorist, Zareef and Zareef, has dedicated to the place evoking the cultural past of people vividly besides hailing the role of J&K Bank in its rejuvenation. Zareef recited the poem and talked in detail about the popular history of the place.

Hailing the role of Bank in its restoration, he observed, “Only conscientious people can appreciate the profound import of this social responsibility that J&K Bank has undertaken and successfully discharged.”

The attraction of the event was the amphi-theater that resounded with the musical performances followed by thunderous applauses by the renowned Kashmiri singers like Abdul Rashid Hafiz, Mohammad Abdullah Shaksaaz and Gulzar Ahmad Ganie. Chinar Boys Orchestra, a musical band performed some popular Kashmiri songs to the delight of jam-packed audience of men, women and children that ran into hundreds.

Besides the music, boys and girls from Greenland Educational Institute (Hawal), Tibetian Public School (Hawal) and Sane Kids Secondary School (Gojwara) presented few cultural programmes on the stage.

Shortly after the cultural programmes, Chairman J&K Bank announced a donation of 5 computer systems each for the three participating schools.

The aura of fun and festivity continued throughout the day and permeated beyond the confines of Badamvaer into the very heart of old city.

People hailed the J&K Bank initiative and expressed deep sense of belonging and gratitude towards it.

Peer Ghulam Rasool, a teacher by profession said, “Connecting people back to their historical essence and to each other is quite an enterprising task that J&K Bank has shouldered well to its destiny. The institution really deserves applause for such a grounded and responsible organisational behavior.”

More than 30,000 people had already visited the park by 5 p.m. and many more kept streaming in.     

People set Tipper ablaze after it crushed a youth to death.

2 die and 16 sustain wounds in road mishaps.

Srinagar, April 8 (VOS): At least one person died and sixteen other were injured in different road accidents across the valley.

A Tipper bearing registration number JK01K/9815 hit and injured Jalaludin Mir son of Kamaludin resident of Chand Colony, Rawalpora near Rawalpora bridge, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Saddar Srinagar. The injured was shifted to SHMS hospital Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries. Later some people set ablaze the Tipper. The dead body was handed over to NOK’s for last rites after completion of all medico-legal formalities. Police has registered a case and investigation is on.

A tipper bearing registration JK04A/4381 hit Mohammad Ramzan son of Habibullah resident of Checkpora near Kuzwara falling under Police Station Chadoora district Badgam, resulting in his on spot death. Police Chadoora registered a case and investigation is on.

Meanwhile, a passenger bus bearing registration number JK0S/5057, on way fromSrinagar to Takia Farooq, Budgam met with an accident near Pandit Colony Budgam, resulting in minor injuries to 14 passengers. All the injured have been hospitalized. Police seized the vehicle and registered a case in this regard.

In another accident, a tipper bearing registration number JK01R/6744 travelling from Srinagar to Sumbal hit one a girl, Kanwal Kour aged about 06 years daughter of Rahul Kumar Singh resident of Batala Punjab near Sumbal Market falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Sumbal, resulting in injuries to the girl. Sumbal Police seized the vehicle and registered a case in this regard. However, driver of the Tipper fled away from the spot.

 Meanwhile according to Kashmir News Service,   In an another accident, an I-10 Car bearing registration number Jko5B/2740 driven by, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie son of Ghulam Ahmad Ganie resident of Aaragam while on way to from Sumbal to Bandipora hit and injured a girl Muntazira aged 09 years daughter of Nazir Ahmad Parry resident of Dudhwan Ajas near Dudwan falling under the Police Post Ajas. The injured girl has been shifted to Hospital for treatment. Police Ajas has registered a case and investigation is on.(VOS)

Short circuit damages five houses at Safakadal.

Srinagar, April 8 (VOS): Due to electric short circuit, Fire broke out in the residential house of Mehraj-u-Din Khandy son of Habibullah Khandy which engulfed to the houses of Mohammad Ashraf Bhat son of Gulam Mohidin, Gulam Ahmad Mir son of Gulam Mohidin and Abdul Rehman Mehata son of Abdul Rehim residents of Malik Sahib Safakadal resulting in Partial damage to all the houses and injuries to Abdul Rouf son in-law of Ghulam Mohammad Dar resident of Malik Sahab Safa kadal. Injured has been hospitalized.

               Meanwhile, fire broke out in the residential house of Ghulam Hassan Hajam son of Mohammad Ramzan Hajam resident of Banpora in which the house got gutted completely, meanwhile fire also engulfed the residential house of Ali Mohammad Hajam son of Sadiq resident of Bonpora was damaged partially.

Kamal for bridging the gaps between cadres and party leadership.Says, time not ripe to call back any minster from cabinet.

Srinagar, April 8 (VOS): Terming the reorganization of party as an attempt to narrow down the ‘gaps’ between Part and its cadres, newly nominated additional general secretary of ruling National Conference Dr. Mustafa Kamal on Sunday said his ouster from the post last year had disheartened many party workers.

Talking to VOS, Kamal while setting the priorities for himself said that he would very soon start holding party public coordination meetings at every district and tehsil level. “The main reason behind party reorganization was to prepare ourselves for 2014 elections.” Asserted Kamal, adding that  the party cadres had gone far away from the party leadership and his priority would be to bridge that gap.

Maintaining  that Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah while remaining busy at centre was not able to devote too much time to party affairs, Kamal said that naming Chief Minster as working president would help party leadership to strengthen its roots further. “Omar remains in the state for almost 29 days a month, and that will enable us to seek his advice anytime for arriving to any decision regarding party affairs,” told Kamal to VOS.

He added that the National Conference ministers in the cabinet were performing their duties satisfactorily and there was no immediate possibility or need to call any of them back. He however said that though there was no doubt that people get annoyed at times for not finding place in cabinet or getting mandate for contesting elections but that has never culminated into any rebellion in national Conference. “Sometimes some of us don’t make it to the cabinetry or to the assembly but we don’t revolt for that,” Claimed Kamal. He said that there was no lobbyism in then party.

Taj inaugurates PCR at PHE Div Srinagar

Srinagar, April 8 (VOS): The Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din alongwith Minister of State for PHE, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani today inaugurated a Provincial Control Room (PCR) at PHE Division, Srinagar to redressal the daily basis grievances of the consumers of the Division through its newly constructed PCR coming up of Rs. 60 lakhs, out of which Rs. 46.58 lakhs have been spent till March 2012 and 90 percent physical achievements were recorded.

Taj was told that the PCR is full of facilities and people have been asked to contact the PCR round the clock on Telephone Nos. 2452047- 2477207 and Fax No. 2484782.

Taj exhorted upon the officers to provide all the facilities in shape of drinking water to the masses as the department falls under the Panchayati Raj Act. He also directed the employees working in the remote areas and other district and tehsils headquarters to visit frequently to their areas to seek the redressal of the common masses.

The PHE Union President met the Ministers and apprised them about their problems in the field while receiving the attendance report from the newly elected Panchayat members.

Mukhtar-e-Kull Conference held at Anantnag

Khannabal, Anantnag,

08.04.2012.

            Mukhtar-e-Kull Muslim Conference was held at Hanfiya Eidgah Khannabal Anantnag by the Idharia Tehqikat Islami Anantnag in which large gathering has participated.

          The religious scholars, which include Patron Karwan-e-Islami, Moulana Ghulam Rasool Hami, Moulana Fayaz Ahmad Rezvi and Moulana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan expressed their views about the said Conference.

          Alhaj Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was the Chairman and Dr. Qazi Ahmad Yasir presided over the Conference.

          Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Qazi Yasir said that such Conferences help us to fallow the teachings of the Aulia Kiram as they show the path of the Islamic spirituality and we should follow the same throughout our practical life style.

          Dr. Yasir hailed the unity of the various fractions of Muslaq followers which will help the people to save themselves from those who were dividing the people on the name of Muslaqs. He impressed upon the Muslim Umah (scholars) to lead the in positive directions and transparently.

Lakhs of devotees pay obeisance at Roza Sharief at Aishmuqam sacred cave

Longest procession of Zikre Qadmain & Zikre Charagan taken out at the Shrine till midnight

JAMMU, APRIL 08: From morning to midnight, on the occasion of Urs Sharief of Khawaja Zain-u-Din Wali (RA) at Aishmuqam, lakhs of devotees thronged on sacred mountain of Aishmuqam and offered Fatiha inside sacred cave where Roza Sharief of Hazrat Khawaja Zain-u-Din Shah Wali Sahib is present.

The people from all parts of Kashmir and Kishtwar had assembled in large number to pay obeisance to sufi saint who during his lifetime meditated and offered round the clock prayers at Aishmuqam. Even the King of the time was not given audience by the saint during his lifetime.

The Urs Sharief is marked with Zikre-e-Qadmain and Zikre-e-Charagan. The people of all the areas resort to illuminating wooden torches to remember the occasion when Hazrat Zain-u-Din Wali defeated forces of evil and darkness.

Vice Chairman Waqaf Board Jenab M. Y. Qadri, Director Information Kh. Renzushah, President of Intizamia Dr. A. R. Khadim, Sajada Nisheen Makhdoom Sahib, Jinab Shahid Jeelani, President Tujar Sharief Intizamia, Jinab Shah Sahib and renowned Ulemas, intellectuals and devotees joined after Nimaz historical and spiritual illumination ceremony and participated in spiritual procession of Zikre-e-Qadmain and Zikre-e-Charagan.

Earlier, during day time, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Kifayat Rizvi personally monitored the arrangements of Urs Sharief. This year arrangements made by Auqaf by construction of Ablution places, bathrooms and other arrangements have also received appreciation. The endeavours of Vice Chairman Auqaf Jinab M. Y. Qadri and President of Intizamia Mr. Khadim in developing the shrine sites have also received acclaim of the devotees.

Agriculture made a tax free sector: Rather

Farmers to get bank credit upto Rs. 1 lakh without mortgage

JAMMU, APRIL 08- Underscoring the significance of Agriculture in socio-economic emancification of the society, the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather today said that agriculture in the state has been made almost tax free sector.

Speaking at a function organized by the Jammu and Kashmir State Advisory Board for Development of Kissans at Vikas Bhawan, Jammu to extend gratitude to Mr. Rather for presenting a farmer-friendly budget for the 2^nd consecutive year, the Minister said soups worth Rs. 20 crore in the form of VAT and Service Tax exemption on various agriculture inputs and implements have been extended to the farm sector to make agriculture a viable lucrative and profitable commercial activity.

Vice Chairman, JK  State Advisory Board for Development of Kissan, Th. Rashpal Singh, Legislator, Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz, Economic Advisor to the Government, Mr. J. A. Khan, Principal Secretary, Finance, Mr. M. I. Khandy, DG Accounts and Treasuries, Mr. Wali Mohammad Bhat, Commercial Sales Taxes, Mr. Gazanfar Hussain, Excise Commissioner, Director Finance, Ms. Resham Kashap, Progressive farmers, Mr. D. P. Khajuria, Mr. Dev Raj Choudhary, Mr. Tejander Singh Wazir etc were present on the occasion.

Mr. Rather said that the government has taken a conscious decision to make agriculture sector tax free in a bid to increase its contribution in the overall GSDP, which at present is comparatively not upto the mark. He said after exemption of toll tax on agriculture inputs and implements, now VAT has also been exempted in current year’s budget. “Banks have been directed to improve credit deposit ratio viz agriculture and allied sectors”, Mr. Rather said adding that small and marginal farmers having Kissan Credit Cards (KCC) can now avail loan facility upto Rs. One lakh without any mortgagee. He said there was urgent need to ensure huge investments in agriculture, which is core sector of rural economy adding that new marketing channels in the shape of modern mandies in the potential areas of the areas as well as outside the state are being established so that farmers get better remuneration of their produce without exploitation of middlemen. 

Mr. Rather said ensuring availability of quality fertilizers and seeds in time to the farmers is a top priority adding that an ambitious Seed Replacement Programme has been launched to meet the 25% national bench mark as against about 12% in the state, which, he said, would ensure increase in the agriculture production and productivity.

Describing irrigation as the most vital component for bumper agriculture production, Mr. Rather said irrigation department should devise ways and means in this direction through constant consultations with the Kissan Development Board, which has emerged as an effective representative body of the farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, the progressive farmers demanded incentives and subsidies for popularizing green house technology including shade net houses, market support for Basmati Rice, establishment of Gal Board, desilitation of kanals  mechanically, availability of imported semen for dairy development, establishment of Span Development Laboratory Mushroom cultivation. 

Chib reviews functioning of G.B. Pant Hospital

            SRINAGAR, APRIL 08: Minister for Medical Education and Sports, Mr. R.S. Chib chaired a joint meeting of officers of Cantonment Board and Children Hospital Management here yesterday.

            The meeting took stock of medicare facilities provided to the children admitted in the hospital and the steps taken by the both management for strengthening these facilities.

            The Minister was informed by the Management of Cantonment Board that Rs. 2 lakh have been utilized for the upgradation of hospital infrastructure.

            The meeting also discussed ways and means for construction of Foot Bridge to facilitate the people near hospital during peak hours of traffic movement.

            On the occasion, the Minister stressed upon the hospital and Cantonment Board to take necessary steps for sanitation in and around the hospital.

            He said that hospital would be strengthened as model hospital.

            Mr. Chib was informed that at present 350 indoor patients are to provided necessary medical facilities, besides 800 to 1000 outdoor patients are examined by the hospital during the day.

            The Minister was also informed that 50 doctors including Gynae’s and Surgeon Specialists are working round the clock in the hospital and 350 para medical staff for performing their duties.

            The meeting was attended by the Members of Cantonment Board which CEO, Mr. Ajay Sehgal, Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Dr. Qazi Manzoor, Superintendent, G.B. Pant Hospital, Dr. Choudhary Javid, Head of Department Surgery, Dr. Showkat Ahmad and other faculty members.

Rs. 1.12 crore expended in HPVT, distributes medicines to needy & helpless

                SRINAGAR, APRIL 08: An amount of Rs. 1.12 crore has been incurred and medicines of Rs. 73 lakh distributed by the Help Poor Voluntary Trust (HPVT) functioning in Srinagar since last 14 years.

            This was disclosed by the Organizer of HPVT, Srinagar at seminar held here today.

            The Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Abdul Majid Mir was the chief guest on the occasion while the Justice (Retd) B.A. Kirmani who is also President of State Commissioner, Dispute Redressal Commission was the guest of honour.

            On this occasion, the Additional Commissioner Kashmir appealed to wealthy and all sections of society to come forward for help the needy and poor people as a mission. He also suggested to the organizers to aware the general people about their activities so that the people would be able to donate for help seekers.

            On this occasion, awards were presented among the good performances, who have made their efforts for successful function of HPVT.

            The Director, Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, Dr. Muneer Masood and Zarief Ahmad Zarief also spoke on the subject.  

            While the representatives of the some renowned educational institutions donate the sums collected from their schools.

Incentive cheques worth Rs 1.70 cr. distributed

among 346 Saffron Growers

            PAMPORE, APRIL 08: Fifth phase of cheque distribution ceremony under National Saffron Mission was organized at EDI Pampore by department of Agriculture. In todays phase MLA Pampore and Director Agriculture Kashmir disturbed cheques an amount of Rs. 1.70 crore among 346 beneficiaries as incentive on account of rejuvenation component of Saffron fields.

            On this occasion, MLA Pampore, Mir Zahoor Ahmad emphasized need to initiate steps for protection of heritage saffron besides increasing the production and productivity. He appreciated the efforts of the Department in implementing the National Mission on Saffron and advised the farmers to cooperate with the department for its successful implementation with a view for improving their socio-economic condition.

            Director Agriculture Kashmir, Dr. Farooq A. Lone apprised the farmers that the work on Spice Park worth Rs. 22.06 crore has been under taken, which will ensure quality control and marketing facilities of this most expensive spice. He said the long pending demand of the farmers of Pampore about the Bore wells has been taken up and the work on Bore wells has started.

            At the conclusion of the function, Chief Agriculture Officer, Pulwama, G.H. Guroo said that during year 2011-12 Rs. 1331.91 lakh has been distributed among 2,878 beneficiaries under the rejuvenation component and an amount of Rs. 24 lakh has been distributed among beneficiaries who laid demonstration trail plots of Saffron, also an amount of Rs. 87 lakh were distributed as incentive among 290 beneficiaries who have constructed Vermi Compost units during current year under National Mission on Saffron.

            Among others Officers and Officials of the department besides a large number of Saffron growers also participated.

Asif Ali Zardari's visit: India will judge Pak ties with action on Saeed, terror, PM tells Pak President

NEW DELHI: Linking the progress in bilateral ties to Pakistan taking action against Hafiz Saeed and others responsible for Mumbai terror attacks, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday plainly told President Asif Ali Zardarithat this was important for normalisation of relations between the two neighbours.
Zardari, who made a stopover in the capital for little over two hours on his way to pilgrimage to Ajmer, heard from Singh a reiteration of India's commitment to engage with Pakistan but was left in no doubt that action on terrorism was an essential step towards that.
Singh brought up the issue of terrorism "affront" and activities of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, mastermind of 26/11 terror strikes in Mumbai, on whom the US announced a USD 10 million bounty, although Pakistani leader had said in Lahore on Sunday that he did not expect Singh "will make me sit (and discuss only) this issue."
"Taking up the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister told Zardari that it was imperative that perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack be brought to justice and prevent activities aimed against India from Pakistani soil. He also discussed the activities of Hafiz Saeed," foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai told reporters here.
"The problem of terrorism which is a major issue by which the Indian people will judge progress in bilateral relationship," Mathai quoted Singh as having told Zardari.
The 40-minute one-on-one meeting between the two leaders covered a wide gamut of bilateral, regional and global issues and in brief comments to the media, Singh and Zardari termed their talks as "constructive" and "fruitful" where they agreed to continue with step-by-step approach in addressing issues like Kashmir, Siachin and Sir Creek among other matters.
Singh played host to Zardari and his son Bilawal along with few other members of 40-strong entourage at his Race Course Road residence.
External affairs minister S M Krishna, home minister P Chidambaram, Rahul Gandhi, BJPleaders L K Advani and Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik were among the 20 guests at the lunch.
Asked about Zardari's response to the Prime Minister's remarks on Saeed, Mathai said the Pakistan President felt that further discussion was required and since the home secretaries of the two countries will be meeting shortly, the issue will be taken up that time.

According to diplomatic sources, the issue of terrorism was discussed "upfront" by the Prime Minister, who mentioned that he wanted normal relations between India and Pakistan and to be able to move in that direction, action regarding terrorism, specifically bringing the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks to justice, is one of the expectation.

"This can be kept in mind... to make progress in relationship," sources quoted Singh as having told Zardari.

Improving trade relations between India and Pakistan was touched upon, Mathai said, adding the commerce ministers of the two countries had already discussed the issue in detail earlier and a way forward has been decided.

"The Prime Minister appreciated that Pakistan has moved ahead on bilateral trade," the foreign secretary said.

Earlier, in his statement to press, Singh said, "President Zardari and I had a very constructive and friendly exchange of views on all bilateral issues which affect the relation between India and Pakistan.

"President Zardari is on a private visit and I have taken advantage of this visit to discuss with him all bilateral issues and I am very satisfied with the outcome of this visit. President Zardari has also invited me to visit Pakistan. I would be very happy to visit Pakistan on a mutually convenient date."

He said the relation between India and Pakistan should become normal. "That's our common desire. We have number of issues and we are willing to find practical and pragmatic solutions to all those issues and that's the message President Zardari and I wish to convey," he said.

Describing the talks "fruitful", Zardari said "We would like to have better relations with India. We spoke on all topics that we could have spoken about and hope to meet on Pakistan soil very soon."

Mathai said Singh's visit to Pakistan will be "worked out after the substantive preparations for it have been made."