Separatist get united in opposing Ranjan’s statement.

Geelani hints of passing on the baton to youth.

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13:  In a sharp reaction to Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai’s statement on Kashmir, Separatist leaders have refused to accept any kind of ‘deal ’ with Pakistan against the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris saying,  Kashmiris  had not sacrificed their lives for cross LOC trade or cultural exchange between the two rival countries.  Raising strong objections to foreign secretary Ranjan Mathia’s statement on Kashmir, Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani has said that Jammu and Kashmir was not a legal part of India and New Delhi had no right to talk about its boarders. “if India talks about its  own boarders we don’t mind, but it can’t and it wont be allowed to talk about the boarders of Jammu and Kashmir.”  Hurriyat Spokesman Ayaz Akbar quoted Geelani  as having said in a telephonic address to the people of Malora  in the outskirts of Srinagar on Friday. “We want to make it clear that no deal which goes against the aspirations and sacrifices of Kashmiris will be accepted.” Asserted Geelani, adding that foreign secretaries’ statement was the reflection of New Delhi’s traditional policy. He however maintained that such statements wont change the facts which according to him were as huge as the Himalaya. “Neither have we made sacrifices for pre 1953 position nor have we laid our lives for 4 point formula.” Warned Geelani, who according to spokesman was not allowed by police out of his home on Friday.

Reiterating his call for the boycott of the proposed Municipal polls, Geelani said that in  huge armed forces presence and the separatists under house arrest, such affairs have always been a one sided affair. “ We will get the freedom and if it didn’t come during my life , I  pass on the baton to youth and urge them to carry on with this justified movement and take it to  its logical end.” Vowed the 82 year old separatist leader.

Meanwhile castigating New Delhi for its ‘double’ standard, Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq alleged that India was attempting to divert attention from Kashmir issue. Talking to VOS, Mirwaiz while rejecting the Ranjan Mathai’s statement said, “We are not against trade but have not made sacrifices for cultural exchanges and trade.” Mirwaiz made it clear that New Delhi needs to bring a change in the mindset and said that Kashmiris wont accept anybody’s highhandedness in resolving the Kashmir issue. “There has been a contradiction in Home ministry and Foreign ministry statements’.” claimed Mirwaiz, adding that New Delhi had no interest in addressing the Kashmir problem. “ They make  it only a media event and are not interested in the solution of the issue.” Hurriyat Chairman told VOS. He added that Hurriyat had taken an initiative and talked to New Delhi but ‘unfortunately’ they did not cash on it. Terming the Mathai’s statement ‘ surprising’ Mirwaiz said that Hurriyat was not averse to talks between India and Pakistan but maintained that Kashmir issue was the basic hurdle in between which needed to be addressed. He said that Hurriyat had sent a proposal to New Delhi in 2006, but said, “ no word has come from them till now.”

Another separatist leader and President Democratic Party Shabir Ahmad Shah also rejected the Ranjan’s statement and said that Cross LOC trade could be a step forward towards CBM’s but insisted that Kashmiri’s had not laid down their lives for trade. “ We have not sacrificed 5 lakh people for trade.” Shah told VOS over phone. He said that separatists had shown flexibility but warned New Delhi for not taking what he said ‘undue advantage’ of it.

Communal harmony is warp & woof of State’s culture: Omar

Development & economic welfare equitably in the State is benchmark

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13:  Describing communal harmony ‘warp and woof’ of Jammu and Kashmir’s pluralistic culture, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday called for it’s strengthening and nurturing. He said the State symbolizes traditional amity, brotherhood and love between various sections of the society. “It has been aboard of different faiths living in harmony”, he said emphasizing on its preservation. Addressing the Baisakhi Mela at Nangali Saheb in Poonch, the Chief Minister said that celebration of festivals and holy occasions in unity and amity has been the characteristics of people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said extending greetings to each other on different festivals adds color to the celebrations and strengthen the bonds of love.The Chief Minister said that universalization of development and economic welfare equitably in the State is benchmark of the functioning of his government. “We are determined to reach out every area and every section of the society equally in the process of development”, he said adding that comprehensive upliftment of weaker sections and people living in backward pockets of the State is on high focus.

            Omar Abdullah said that improvement and up gradation of education and health sectors in far-off areas is receiving priority attention. “While various new health institutions and schools have been opened in these areas, the government has also sanctioned new degree colleges, polytechnics and ITIs for the students living in these areas”, he said adding that accessibility of students in backward and remote areas to higher and technical education is being enhanced by providing adequate educational facilities to them.

            “Similarly, health sector is receiving impetus to expand healthcare facilities across the State”, he said elaborating on the infrastructure development programme, placing of manpower and consolidating the health institutions in all the districts and rural areas of the State. He said health institutions are being upgraded and modernized as per the present day requirements. He said many more steps are afoot to further strengthen the health and education sectors in the State besides other sectors relating to the public service delivery. The Chief Minister Extended Baisakhi greetings to the people and also referred to the importance of this day as the foundation day of Khalsa. He prayed for the peace, prosperity and progress of the State and the Country. Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani, Legislators, Ajaz Ahmad Jan and Jahangir Mir also spoke on the occasion.

Shabir Shah arrested.

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13:  Senior separatist leader and president democratic front Shabir Ahmad Shah was reportedly taken into custody on Friday at Mirgund. Shah was on his way to Bomie Sopore where he was to address the public gathering after Friday prayers. “Shah staged at dharna on Srinagar Muzaferabad road after he was taken into custody.” Claimed the spokesperson of Democratic Party in a statement to VOS. He added that shah demanded right to self determination.

Meanwhile Spokesman expressed his dismay that Shah was not allowed to offer a single Friday prayer in Kashmir valley during last almost one and half years. Shah has also sympathasized with the families of the Pakistani army men who were got buried under snow avalanche in Siachin.

              

Be vigilant of the conspiracies: Nayeem Khan

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13:  National Front Chairman Mr. Nayeem Ahmad Khan has cautioned people about the conspiracies hatched against the ongoing resistance movement in New Delhi and implemented by the local Collaborators of India. Taking forward his mass contact Campaign, Nayeem Ahmad Khan was in Watergam Rafiabad were he addressed a huge gathering of People.

Khan said, “People have rendered very precious sacrifices to achieve their goal of freedom from India, and it is the duty of common people to work for the safeguard of their sacrifices”. Pointing out the conspiracies against the freedom movement, Nayeem Ahmad Khan said “creating differences among the majority community, creating misunderstandings about the leadership, encouraging anti moral and anti ethical culture and giving bad names to the freedom struggle are some of the conspiracies being hatched by India so as to sabotage the resistance movement of Kashmiri People.

“We are a nation and we have to show collective consciousness in order to defeat the conspiracies being hatched against our peaceful movement”. Advised Khan. He said, “India is implementing it’s conspiracies against our movement by the help of few of our own people who are playing the role of Sadiq and jafar, if we want to get fruits of our struggle we have to be vigilant and show steadfastness”.

Nayeem Ahmad Khan said that Kashmiri People have nourished the dreams of freedom by their blood and the dream can be fulfilled only when the same people will resist the Indian Conspiracies which are being implemented by none other than the people living with us and these People are being paid huge materialistic profits by our collective enemy. Khan appealed the people not to fall prey in the hands of India and it’s local Collaborators and show steadfastness as always. He said, “Only then we can compel India to accept our just, political and Democratic demand”.

         

Suchetgarh emerging as border tourism destination: Jora

Border tourism boost economy of locals: Chib

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13: Minister for Tourism and culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that Suchetgarh would be developed a mega Border tourist destination for pilgrim tourists visiting Mata Vaishno Devi and other holy shrines of Jammu division, adding that in this regard a project of Rs. 6.39 crore is under implementation for creation of tourist related infrastructure in the area.Laying foundation of restoration and conservation work of historical Ragunath temple at Suchetgarh in presence of Minister for Medical Education and Youth Services and Sports, Mr R. S. Chib and MLA Suchetgarh Ch. Sham Lal on the eve of Baisakhi festival, Mr. Jora said that conservation work of this temple would be completed at a cost of Rs 1.25 crore. He said an amphitheatre would be also constructed in Suchetgarh and instructed concerned authorities to evict the encroached land at the temple site at the earliest for the purpose.

Jora said that celebration of Baisakhi festival would be now made an annual feature in Suchetgarh. He directed concerned authorities to ensure timely completion of the works being executed for creation of tourist facilities in the area.The Minister for Medical Education, Mr. R. S. Chib said that government endeavors’ to promote varied tourism activities in Jammu division like other parts of the state. He said developing border tourism in Suchetgarh is a remarkable step of the government, adding that this would not only boost local economy but also a source of inspiration for coming generation.Chib hailed the Central government for providing liberal financial assistance for development of tourism in the state. He said for promotion of border tourism in Suchetgarh and R. S. Pura a prestigious project of Rs 6.39 crore is being implemented for creation of different tourist infrastructure facilities. He said under the project several works are being executed which includes construction of road to BSF, dormitory, pick and chose restaurant, watch towers, tourist facilitation centre, installation of fountains, landscaping, pathways, shelter places at temple and Peer Baba, development of children parks at R. S. Pura, improvement of track up to gharana bird sanctuary, toilet block of old Railway Station R. S. Pura and Suchetgarh.The Minister said that Suchetgarh was named after Raja Suchet Singh brother of Maha Raja Gulab Singh, has a historical importance. He said by completion of the project the tourist would be able to have a glimpse of rich cultural heritage and lash green beauty of the area. Chib appreciated the efforts of Tourism Minister for paying focused attention for development of tourism in the state. He also complemented civil society, including panchs and sarpanchs for providing their wholehearted cooperation in over all development process in the area.

            MLA Suchetgarh Ch. Sham Lal has also thanked the government for paying focused attention towards all-round development of the area. He said development of border tourism would add in the economy of the locals of the area. Former Minister Mr. Gharu Ram and MLA R. S. Pura Prof. Gharu Ram, Director Tourism Jammu Mr. R. S. Mehta, were among others present on the occasion.Later, the Ministers inaugurated celebration of Baisakhi festival at Suchetgarh. The festival was organized by Tourism Department in collaboration with J&K Cultural Academy. Hundreds of people of the area participated in the festival and witnessed cultural variety programmes, which were presented by local artists of the division. The Kud dance, Dogri lokgeets, Bangra and Panjabi dances mesmerized the audience and received applause from every one present on the occasion. 

Jamia withdraws Srinagar as it’s exam. Centre

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13. It is very surprising that the Jamia Millia University New Delhi has not this time given the option of their entrance examination centre at “SRINAGAR” for B'tech course.JMI has earlier been giving the option of entrance examination centre at SRINAGAR even during difficult times in J&K.This has deprived many of the aspiring students of the test, who can not afford to go to Delhi or elsewhere to appear for the said test. Besides, it runs contrary to the claims of the Government that situation in Kashmir has improved and sends wrong signals.

REVOKE AFSPA, RESTORE AUTONOMY: TANVIR SADIQ
‘PDP poisoning young minds, instigating violence’

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13:  The National Conference on Friday reiterated its demand for restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir and demanded immediate revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from peaceful areas of the state.” It’s time for the Government of India to honor the instrument of accession it has entered into with Jammu and Kashmir. Our autonomy has been unconstitutionally eroded from time to time. The autonomy must be restored,” NC spokesman, Tanvir Sadiq said in a statement issued here to media.” We have no doubt in the sincerity of the government of India but the mistrust among the people has to be addressed and the only way to do so is to restore the autonomy,” he added.

The spokesman said that his party was committed to the revocation of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir as the situation has witnessed a considerable change since Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah assumed office. Terming the rumors about interlocutors report as baseless, He said, no one can ignore the aspiration of the people and it’s high time to restore the 1953 position as demanded by the NC as it is the only viable and practical solution for the state of Jammu & Kashmir.” We’re committed to the revocation of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir. To begin with, the act should be revoked from peaceful areas where militancy has vanished,” he said.

The spokesman assured people that the day was not far when the AFSPA will be on its way out and autonomy will be in. Terming PDP an off shoot of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), the spokesman said that the opposition party may indulge in the luxury of making loud noises as they have become desperate because their Self-Rule is neither known nor acceptable. He cautioned the people that PDP was playing the worst kind of politics by poisoning the young minds and instigating them to violence.” The younger generation is well informed and can easily understand the evil policies of PDP. They (PDP) are the ones who brought AFSPA to Kashmir. They are hoodwinking people with hollow slogans and false claims,” Tanvir said.

He said the state has already lost thousands of people including scores of NC workers who laid their life for the prosperity of the state. The NC spokesman said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have taken note of positive developments and are reasonably confident of the recent development between India-Pakistan, which have been given a fresh momentum by Manmohan Singh's acceptance of Pakistan's invitation to visit the neighboring country. He said, the National Conference welcomes the meeting by the Home secretaries of India and Pakistan scheduled to be held in May-end to carry forward the dialogue process.” Such initiatives will remove many misgivings between India and Pakistan and convince our youth about the futility of the gun. There is a new hope that the region will see a new era of peace and cooperation,” the NC spokesman said. He said that the economic trade and people to people contact should be increased so that borders between India and Pakistan become irrelevant.

 “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is very keen for opening more trade routes between two sides with adequate banking mechanism and telecommunication facilities and this should be facilitated,” he added.

Complete withdrawal of Indian troops from Kashmir: Bhat

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13:  Zafar Akbar Bhat has stated that the inclusion of Kashmiris the dialogue process between Pakistan and India on Kashmir is imperative for its success. Zaffar Akbar Bhat while addressing public gathering at Jamia Masjid Naqish Bandi Beminain Srinagar has appealed to the international community to play their role in resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the Kashmiris’ aspirations and must take into notice of continued human rights violations. He said that the participation of the Kashmiris in the talk’s process
between Pakistan and India was important for resolution of the Kashmir
dispute. He stressed India to create conducive atmosphere for meaningful and result-oriented talks on Kashmir as the permanent peace in South Asia was impossible without the settlement of the long-pending dispute over Kashmir He while demanding complete withdrawal of Indian troops from Kashmir has called for resolving the lingering Kashmir dispute through tripartite talks involving Pakistan, India and the true representatives of the Kashmiris. He also demanded immediate release of all liberation leaders and activists

VICTOR FORCE TO GOVT DEGREE COLLEGE GANDERBAL

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13. GOC Victor Force Major General Gurdeep Singh visited Govt Degree College, Ganderbal on 12 Apr and interacted with staff and students of the college. On this occasion GOC presented the rolling trophy for best student to the principal of the college, Mrs Roshan Ara, to be given to the best student of the college every year.  During his interaction the GOC appreciated the role played by the students in maintaining peace and harmony in the valley and encouraged them to excel in all fields of life.   GOC Victor Force exhorted to the students that hardwork is the only key to success and achieving your goals, so everyone must strive for it. The youth and the college administration expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation for the thoughtful gesture of the Army.

Mean While, A youth mela was organised by Victor Force at village Safapura near Manasbal Lake. The aim of the Mela was to showcase the multiple facets of the Army to the local people and also to generate interest amongst the youth of the Ganderbal and Bandipura district. The scope of the fair was further increased by establishment of stalls such as Handloom, Handicrafts, Fisheries, Animal husbandry, Agriculture and industrial development. An Army’s Youth Guidance Node provided career councilling to the rural youths. The Mela saw a grand cultural programme being organized for the local Awam in which folk songs were sung by the local artist.

            Major General Gurdeep Singh, GOC Victor Force was the chief guest on the occassion . Other dignitaries present were Cdr 3 Sector, CO 13 RR, Principal of middle school, Sarpanch of Safapura, Mr Gamgeen who is known for his multifarious personality being a poet and dramatist.  While addressing the overwhelming gathering of people who had come to attend the Mela, Major General Gurdeep Singh, GOC HQ CIF (Victor), expressed his appreciation over the enthusiasm displayed by the participating civilians and also conveyed his thanks to all who had contributed towards making this venture a grand success. The attendees of the fair expressed their gratitude to the Army for organising such an event and hoped that more such fairs will be organised in future, as well.

Kamal visits Ajmer Sharief

Srinagar, April (VOS) 13:  National Conference (NC) senior leader Dr Mustafa Kamal paid obeisance at the shrine of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) at Ajmer Sharief. Dr Mustafa kamal prayed there for peace and prosperity of entire sub continent and particularly for people of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Mustafa kamal also said Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) always teaches brotherhood and communal harmony that is why, the people of this region has great respect and regard of the Sufi Saint.

Power shut down on April 16, 18

                SRINAGAR, APRIL 13: The Power Controller, Kashmir Province (PDD), Bemina, Srinagar in order to carry out necessary branch cutting on 33 KV Pampore-Badamibagh and TRC, Sonwar Tap lines, power will be remain off in areas fed from these lines on April 16 and 18, 2012 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m and 9 a.m to 5 p.m respectively.

Govt is committed for transparency accountability in CA&PD Deptt.

District Consumer Forums constituted for speedy redressal of customer complaints

                SRINAGAR, APRIL 13: A high level meeting at divisional level of the CA&PD and Sales Officers of Oil Companies was today held under the Chairmanship of Minister for CA&PD and Transport, Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon.

            The meeting was convened to review the latest stock and supply position of the Valley including availability of LPG, diesel, kerosene oil and petroleum products etc.

            The meeting was informed that the supply position of the food grains is quite satisfactory however, the Minister was informed by the Director CA&PD, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad that presently 11902 metric tons of rice, 1158 metric tons of wheat and 869 metric tons of sugar is available with the CA&PD. Besides, the position of kerosene oil, LPG, diesel and petroleum products is adequate. He was also informed that the distribution of ration quota for the month of April 2012 is in process.

            Meanwhile, the Minister appreciated the efforts of the CA&PD officials for providing the foodgrains to the consumers in time during the winter season despite hard hitting cold and snowfall.  

            The Minister asked the officers include all those family members in the new ration cards who have left out in the to previous survey. However, he stressed upon the concerned officers to involve in this process Sarpanchs and other public representatives for achieving cent percent results in issuing the fresh ration cards and weeding out the bogus and fake ration card holders.

            Referring the important Public Services Guarantee Act, the Minister impressed upon the concerned officers to not only maintain the record of the complaints receiving under this Act, but also display the whole information about the benefits of this Act in all the Sale Centres and CA&PDS officers. He stressed for displaying approved rate lists on all the Sale Centres so that the consumers would come to know about the supply position, rates, BPL, APL and AAY card holders.

            Meanwhile, the Minister disclosed that 8 District Consumer Fora are being setting up in the State under the Chairmanship of Principal District and Sessions Judges, for which separate officers are being setting up for maintaining the whole process properly. He said by this step, the consumers would be able to get their consumer rights in time. However, he asked his subordinates to cooperate with the Foras for timely redressal of the grievances.

            The meeting was attended by the Secretary CA&PD, Mr. Abass Dar and Assistant Directors and Sale Officers of different Oil Companies were present in the meeting.

            On this occasion, the Director informed that the special market checking squads have been activated in the Srinagar district who fined Rs. 9,45,750 against 1458 erring traders while 64 FIRs were lodged under Essential Commodities Act.

            The Minister exhorted upon the officers for uploading all the information about the department for quick disposal of the cases.

            Later, the employees put forth their demands before the Minister. The Minister assured them that their genuine demands would be looked into and their grievances would be redressed accordingly. 

Organic farming started at Kupwara

 Agriculture Deptt. brings 50 Hectares of land under organic farming

            KUPWARA, APRIL 13: Department of Agriculture gives systemic push under acute focus to Organic Farming, in first phase 50 Hectares of land at Handwara has been brought organic farming for cultivation of Paddy, Maize and Vegetable crops.

            In this connection Department of Agriculture in collaboration with International Panacea Ltd organized “Farmers Awareness Camp on Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture” at Environment Hall Handwara.

            On this occasion, Joint Director Agriculture Extension, M.S Kutoo said that Department of Agriculture Kashmir has started centrally sponsored scheme on adoption and certification of organic farming in Kashmir with the aim for sustainable agriculture for better productivity through natural Bio-Inputs. He said that organic farming has great relevance in the present scenario and has number of benefits for the farmers including sustainability of agriculture, reduction in the input costs, Eco friendly and less hazardous. He further said that organic farming will add to their incomes as organic food products are in great demand in the present day health conscious world.

            District Agriculture Officer, Farooq Ahmad said that under the scheme over a period of three years of organic farming will be adopted and certified on cluster basis. Marketing facility will also be provided to the farmers to ensure high returns.

            Similar program in second phase will be started at Karnah and Machil like far flung areas of district Kupwara, where 200 hectares of land under cultivation of Potato, Paddy, Maize and Vegetables will be brought under organic farming during ensuing Kharief Season.

            Dr. Ranveir Singh, Dr. Gayatri Tandon, M.K Rajput and Mohammad Shafi from International Panacea Ltd highlighted the component of organic Farming which includes Crop Rotation, Composting and Integrated Pest and Disease Management.

            They advised farmers to use farm yard manure and Bio Nutrients as substitute for Chemical Fertilizers and Bio Pesticides as substitute for Chemical Pesticides, so as to maintain fertility and health status of soil besides to improve quality of the produce.

            Large number of farmers besides officers and officials of the Agriculture Department participated in the awareness camp.

            On the conclusion Joint Director Extension and President International Panacea Ltd distributed Bio Nutrients and Bio Pesticides to the farmers who will adopt Organic Farming in their fields.

Chib for promoting wrestling, other sports activities

            JAMMU, APRIL 13: Minister for Medical Education and Youth Services and Sports, Mr R. S. Chib today said that government is committed to develop sportsmanship culture among youth by providing every possible facility in all the three regions of the state.

            The Minister was addressing an impressive function, organized by Hanuman Akhara in connection with grand ‘Dangal’ on the occasion of Baisakhi at R. S. Pura here today.

            Congratulating the organizers for holding the event efficiently, Mr. Chib conveyed greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi.

            He said such events are aimed at promoting wrestling and other sports events for assuring sound health of the youth.

            On this occasion, the Minister announced an amount of Rs one lakh for promoting the activities of Akhara in the interest of enthusiastic youth.

            He awarded the toppers in Dangal competition with cash awards.

            The function was attended by legislators Sham Lal, Gharu Ram, and Bhagat Ram Chand.

Agriculture and Allied Sectors’ Share in State Plan goes up

New Delhi, April 13, 2012.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) has succeded in incentivising
States to allocate more funds to agriculture and allied sectors. It
has emerged as a principal instrument of development and revival of
agriculture.

States allocated 6.04% of State Plan to agriculture in 2010-11 as
compared to 4.88% in 2006-07. As such, their Plan contribution to
agriculture and allied sector has gone up from Rs. 8770.16 crore in
2006-07 to Rs. 22158.46 crore in 2010-11. States have taken up over
5290 projects in last five years across all segments of agriculture
and allied sectors.

RKVY format has also enabled taking up national priorities as
sub-schemes while keeping States’ flexibility of project selection and
implementation intact. In all, nine special programmes with focused
objectives are being implemented as sub-scheme of RKVY.

The scheme was launched in 2007 with a Plan outlay of Rs. 25000 crore
for XI Plan. It was formulated with two strategic objectives- first,
to incentivise States to allocate more funds for agriculture and
allied sectors and second, to facilitate States to generate additional
growth in agriculture and allied sectors by better planning and
undertaking appropriate projects to achieve this goal.

Funds under the scheme are provided to states as 100% grant by central
government. Allocation of funds is dependent on additional resources
committed by states for agriculture and allied sector in their states
plans and the growth projected and generated. [PIB]

Iran armed forces will nip all threats in bud: Cmdr.

“We will counter any threat that takes on a real or concrete form in the very beginning,” Commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Pourdastan said Friday, Fars News Agency reported. 

He said that the army constantly updates tactics and techniques in proportion to possible threats against the country. 

He said that Iran improves its military capabilities in line with its defense doctrine, which is based on deterrence. 

Reiterating that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to defend the Islamic Republic’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pourdastan said Iran will never initiate a war but will keep a watchful eye on the slightest threats posed from land, air or sea. 

“All enemy moves are monitored and analyzed, even though we believe the enemies are not in a position to open a front against the Islamic Republic,” he added. 

The United States, Israel, and some of their allies accuse Iran of pursuing military objectives in its nuclear energy program, with Washington and Tel Aviv using this pretext to threaten Iran with a military option. 

Iran rejects the allegations, arguing that as a committed signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. 

Conversion to Islam growing dramatically in Austria

“We see that people have spiritual longing that they feel there is something missing in their lives, if there is no dimension, no horizon as to the hereafter, or where am I? Why am I here?” Says Mr. Bagajati, an Austrian convert to Islam. 

Austria is a predominantly Catholic Christian European country of over eight million people with strong and deep historical roots in Christianity. 

Many Christians express that they were disillusioned and had lost their faith in Christianity, and of course the recent recurring sexual scandals of Catholic Church has played a major role in their exodus, which at the end led to many of them convert to Islam, where they could find comfort. 

Most non-Muslim, European citizens have always been presented with an ugly and awful image of Islam, linked mainly to extremism and fundamentalism, by the Western culture. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Bagajati believes that it is the “perfect time” for Islam to show its “peaceful nature” to non-Muslims, in a time when the United Nations has expressed concerns over growing religious discrimination and violence against religious groups. 

Estimations show that almost half a million Austrian Christians have converted to Islam since roughly two years ago, with the numbers of conversions keeping thriving.