SLC asks govt. to Stop Contractual appointments and revise R, ET scheme.

Suggests, amendments in recruitment rules.

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14:  At a time when the government is battling the unemployment crises in the state, the committee on subordinate legislation Committee has asked for stopping of contractual appointments and a thorough revision of Rehbar e Taleem Policy, stating that such policies were being misused by the appointees.  The committee which is  an empowered committee  set up by the legislative assembly to suggest  changes, updating and amendments in the rules governing the  recruiting agencies of the State has also recommended a comprehensive overhauling of two important recruiting agencies, Public Service Commission and Service Selection Board .The committee in its annual report has also suggested amendments in the rules for conducting the civil services examinations including bringing down the marks weightage of  oral tests in state civil services examination to ensure transparency.“The RET policy be revised and critically examined for effective improvement in the education system.The Contractual/Temporary appointments should be stopped as screening was not done properly in these cases. It was exploitation of qualified candidates and has been many a times misused by the appointees.”

According to VOS, the committee headed by CPI (M) general secretary and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousf Tarigami submitted its report to the assembly recently suggesting certain important changes and amendments in the rules of recruitment by PSC and SSRB. The committee in its report, a copy of which is with VOS, felt that some drastic changes in the recruitment procedure in PSC was imperative. “The Committee was of the view that in absence of lucid and foolproof recruitment rules for the selections there was greater scope for unnecessary and unwarranted litigations.” Writes the report. Questioning the credibility of the examination pattern of different universities, the committee observed,

“While observing that some universities including a few in the state were awarding high percentage of marks, there was need to curb and check the trend so that distinction and meritorious candidates of Kashmir and Jammu Universities should not suffer on that account.

According to VOS, While recommending the amendments in the rules that govern Public service commission, Committee has asked government to think about bringing amendments in rule 9 of PSC, suggesting introducing  audio- video recording of the indoor interviews of the candidates.

“Rule 9 which deals with interviews, needs to be amended to the extent that it should be provided therein that audio and video recording of the interview should be done in order to get more authenticity and transparency in selection as also more credibility in the selection process. Rule 12 which deals with resolution in case of a tie, provides that in case of tie marks obtained in viva-voce shall be a determining factor for reaching to a final conclusion and, if in that case also there is a tie, the highest marks obtained in compulsory papers shall be the determining factor for reaching to a final conclusion regarding merit of a candidate. In this respect first option i.e. the highest marks obtained in viva-voice may either be done away with or modified to provide that it will be determined with reference marks obtained in written examination. Further, the second option should continue that if there is still a tie, marks obtained in compulsory subjects in main examination should be taken into account for determining the final merit between the candidates.” Recommended the committee.

Similarly Committee while recommending the complete abolition of the present recruitment system by SSRB suggested that there should be a three tier pattern of examination which include, screening, written and Voiva voice. For the selection of teachers, the committee has recommending the filling up of posts on subject basis and as per qualification. It has also sought a complete revision of Rehbar e Taleem  and contractual recruitment policy.

“The RET policy be revised and critically examined for effective improvement in the education system.

The Contractual/Temporary appointments should be stopped as screening was not done properly in these cases. It was exploitation of qualified candidates and has been many a times misused by the appointees.”

The committee has also recommended adoption of multilevel level system recruitment in the education department keeping in view the centre and other state pattern. It has recommended that graduate with ETT and NTT should be recruited for primary level whereas candidates with graduation and B,Ed for middle and Post Graduate with M,Ed should be considered for the selection at High school level.

Pertinently this is first time since 1977, that a subordination committee has submitted its report to te government asking for overhauling the recruitment policy. Earlier the similar report was submitted by former education minster Late Abdul Gani lone headed committee in 1977.

Indo-Pak relations heading towards new heights: NC

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14:  The National Conference today welcomed the historic development in which India has decided to permit Foreign Direct Investment from Pakistan.In a statement issued by the Party Spokesman, the General Secretary Advocate Sheikh Nazir Ahmed has welcomed the steps taken by India and Pakistan in initiating banking and other facilities for the people of both the countries. He said that this will help in creating a peaceful atmosphere between the two countries and give a new impetus to the Dialogue process.The General Secretary also hailed the bold steps taken by both the countries to ease the visa restriction, setting up of Indo-Pak business council and providing banking facilities by opening branches of major Banks on the either side.

Both the countries have fought three wars, continue using around 3% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on Defence while as majority of the people in both the countries still live below the poverty line, he said,  adding that it  should be a matter of serious concern for all the stake holders. The General Secretary said that it is high time for both India and Pakistan to understand the futility of wars which has only brought death and destruction to both the countries.The Party General secretary reminded that National Conference has always worked as a bridge between the two countries and even Sher-i-Kashmir; Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had supported and facilitated in bringing the two countries together and  impressed upon them to resolve all outstanding issues including the vexed issue of Kashmir. The National Conference he said is committed to carry forward the Naya Kashmir dream of Sheikh Abdullah.

Meanwhile, Addressing a huge public meeting at Wrunhall (Homeshalibugh), National Conference senior leader and Member parliament South Kashmir Dr Mehboob Beg has assured National Youth Crops Volunteers (NYCV) that their issue would be taken up on priority basis with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the central government.

Stating that they are aware how the volunteers of the NYCV performed their duites zealously even under tough conditions. Dr. Beg said, “We have around six lakh unemployed youths in the state and if the 8000 NYCV in service would be disengaged it will prove to be a huge burden on the government and equally discourage the youth. Dr Beg also demanded immediate relief to the victims of the recent hail storm that struck South Kashmir, particularly Wachi and Shopian constituencies.On the occasion, Advocate Abdul Majid Bhat also addressed the people. He stressed upon the party workers to work for strengthening of the party.  

In the furtherance of the contact program with the people, a District working committee meeting was held at Rajpora, Pulwama under the chairmanship of the Provincial President Ali Mohammad Dar. In his address he stressed upon the party workers to spread the policies and Programme of the National Conference to every household so that people particularly the youth can understand the measures taken by the party to secure their future. The Provincial president also urged upon the party workers to strengthen the party at the gross root level and requested the President Dr Farooq Abdullah and the working president Omar Abdullah to conduct party elections at an earliest. Provincial Secretary Sheikh Ghulam Ahmad Saloora, while addressing the gathering stressed upon the workers to be prepared for the ensuing local body election and ensure that their candidates emerge victorious. The other leaders who attended the meeting were Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Joint Secy (Province), Engineer Ghulam Nabi Wani, District President Pulwama.

CORE GROUP MEETING

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14:  Lieutenant General SA Hasnain, GOC Chinar Corps and the Security Advisor, co-chaired the Core Group Meeting with the DGP Shri Kuldeep Khoda on 14 Apr 2012 at Badami Bagh Cantonment, Srinagar. Senior Officers of Army, Police, CRPF, BSF, Intelligence Agencies and Civil Administration attended the meeting. Addressing the meeting, Lieutenant General SA Hasnain complimented the gathering on the high level of synergy that exists between all stake holders in addressing the security concerns of the Valley.  Kuldeep Khoda, DGP, Jammu and Kashmir while addressing the gathering echoed similar sentiments and further elaborated on key security issues. The meeting deliberated on the initiatives being undertaken and carried out a holistic introspection of the way ahead. The meeting deliberated on numerous security issues and took an overall view of the prevailing external and internal environment.

Friendly relations between Indo-Pak, key to K- settlement:

Hurriyat was founded to save the sacrifices from going waste. Shah

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14:  Senior Separatist leader and President Democratic party Shabir Ahmad Shah has said that friendly  Indo Pak relations were key to the settlement of Kashmir dispute and claimed that the rivalry between the two neighboring countries was due to Kashmir dispute . “Kashmir issue is the basic reason of the rivalry between India and Pakistan whereas the water, sarkeek and saichen are the less important issues.” Shah told party workers on Saturday at Srinagar, adding that the foundation of Hurriyat conference was to prevent the sacrifices from going waste.  He said Kashmiris have sacrificed their lives for a cause and nobody would be allowed to resort to treason.

According to VOS, Shah said, “Hurriyat has a constitution and every one has to abide by that.’’ He further added. “Hurriyat is the focal point of every kashmiri as it inherits the sacred blood of martyrs of the state who laid their lives for its liberation.”  Calling for the coordination among different the separatist ranks, Shabir shah said, “  The coordination between different pro freedom camps is must for taking the movement to its logical end.” He said that it was great to see India and Pakistan moving closer in relation and said that good and friendly relations between the two countries way  key to the final settlement of the Kashmir dispute. He said that Hurriyat has always welcomed the meaningful dialogue, however  maintained that both the countries won’t succeed in their efforts unless Kashmiris were not made part of the dialogue process. “Friendship between India and Pakistan would guarantee a peaceful life to billions of people in south Asia.” Told shah,  adding that he was pleased to know during his recent visit to Pak embassy at New Delhi that Islamabad had not put Kashmir on backburner and it  was still the priority issue for Pak.

Warning people to desist from falling pray to politicians who according to him have been behind the killing and kidnapping of their (People) children , thus indulging in anti movement activities, Senior Hurriyat leader  warned, “we must have the guts to differentiate between foe and friend. Those who have lodged our pro freedom leaders behind the bars, who have killed our children don’t deserve our support and if we do vote for them, that will be our negligence.” . Shah asked police to behave like humans. (VOS)

Centre agrees to sanction 3 TMP for J&K: Jora

Jammu, April (VOS) 14:  Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that Centre has agreed to sanction 3 Tourism Mega Projects (TMP) of Rs. 50 crore each to the state during current financial year. He said these three mega projects have been identified as Sofi Circuit for Kashmir, Spiritual Circuit for Jammu and Buddhist Circuit for Leh, adding that in this regard the DPRs of two projects have already been formulated and finalized and the DPR of third project is in final stage. This was stated by the Minister in a media interaction today at Mansar, where he inaugurated Baisakhi festival, organized by Tourism Department in collaboration with J&K Cultural Academy. The festival was attended by a large number of tourists and locals. The reputed cultural artists of the State presented variety of cultural programmes depicting  rich cultural heritage and varied beauty of all the regions in the state. These cultural programmes mesmerized the audience and received applause from everyone present on the occasion. A wrestling competition was also held at Suransar Baisakhi festivals which was also witnessed by a large number of tourists and local residents.

The Minister said that main objective of organizing such festivals is to provide entertainment to the visiting tourists besides publicizing new destinations, adding that the festivals would be made now annual feature for the tourists. The Minister said that Centre has approved funding of Rs. 5 crore for conservation and development of Suransar lake, adding that approval for another project of Rs. 5 crore for development and conservation of Mansar Lake is expected to reach soon from the Centre. He said after completing all codal formalities, the necessary conservation work besides infrastructure upgradation would be taken up at these lake sites.

Jora said that pilgrim tourism potential of Jammu is being explored fully by developing pilgrim sites and creation of infrastructure there. He said after development of Shiv Khouri holy temple, focused attention would be given to develop other holy shrines and temples like Sudh Mahadev, Chichi Mata and Chandi Mata etc. The Minister said that sanction of one more project for conservation of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Jammu estimated at a cost of Rs. 25 crore is expected from the Centre, adding that there were certain observations on DPR made by the Union Ministry of Tourism which have been cleared. 

The Minister also inaugurated an exhibition-cum-awareness camp at Mansar. The exhibition was organized by district administration Samba on the eve of Baisakhi festival, in which 15 stalls were installed by various departments which were visited by a large number of people and visitors. The Minister went round each stall, evinced his keen interest and instructed concerned departments to organize such exhibitions in other areas also for the welfare and knowledge of the rural people.

Grenade explosion in Budgam

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14:  Father-son were injured in a grenade explosion inCentral Kashmir last evening.Grenade exploded near shop of Ghulam Ahmad wani S/O Abdul Khaliq Wani R/o Ompora near Railway Station jurisdiction of Police Station Budgam, resulting in minor splinter injuries to the shopkeeper Gulam Ahmad Wani and his son Imran Ahmad. Both the Injured shifted to District hospital Budgam for medical aid. Police has registered a case and investigation is on.

Taj lays foundation of water treatment plant at Tangnar,

Jammu, April (VOS) 14:  Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi ud Din today laid the foundation of 10 MGD water treatment plant at Tangnar today. Part of the Rs. 148 crore ambitious Tangnar Water Supply Scheme, the treatment plant is expected to be completed at a cost of Rs. 7.13 crore. The water supply scheme on its completion is expected to suffice the drinking water needs of the entire Srinagar city and its adjoining areas. Minister of State for Home, PHE and Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA, Sonawar, Mr. Mohammad Yaseen Shah were also present on the occasion.Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister said the present government is committed to fulfill the basic needs of the people of the State. He said he would be monitoring the pace of completion of the water supply scheme on regular basis and gave the engineers a target of two years to complete the project.

On the occasion, several deputations also met the Minister and brought their grievances into his notice. He directed the concerned agencies for the redressal of the same.In his address, Minister of State for PHE, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani said many landmark achievements were registered in the PHE sector during last three years. He said the entire profile of the Department has got transformed with the launching of projects like Jhelum beautification, Wullar conservation etc. Chief Engineer, PHE, Kashmir, Mr. G. R. Zargar, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. A. M. Lankar and other officers and engineers were present on the occasion. Earlier on his arrival from Jammu, the Minister visited the re activated Lethpora Irrigation Scheme and inspected the improvements being carried out at a cost of Rs. 50 lakhs. The 21 kilometre re activated canal would irrigate more than 3500 kanals of land in the catchment areas.

Girl set herself ablaze

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14:  A girl (name with held) and resident of Khonmoh falling under jurisdiction of Police Station Panthachowk in an attempt to commit Suicide set ablaze herself. The girl was shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard.

Fire Safety Week commences

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14: To commemorate Fire Safety Week, a function was organized by Fire and Emergency Services, Srinagar today. Joint Director, Kashmir, Mr. R.T. Dubey was the chief guest while as OSD to Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Aamir Ali was the guest of honour.In his address, Mr. Dubey gave a resume of the activities of his department and remembered those Jawans who sacrificed their lives while saving life and properties during fire incidents. He said April 14, 1944 was the day when a devastating fire incident took place at Victoria Docks in Bombay (now Mumbai), in which hundreds of human beings perished besides causing loss to property worth crores. He said since them April 14 is observed as National Fire Service Day.

           

 Joint Director said that this department deals with the safety of life and property from accidental fire and other natural/manmade disasters. The Fire & Emergency Services, J&K was established in the year 1893 as Srinagar Fire Brigade. Some of the town areas were also having their fire brigades with few men. The Fire & Emergency Services, J&K is presently spread over 164 Fire & Emergency Stations all over the State.

            Mr. Dubey said that the motto of the services is "We serve to save" and the role of Fire & Emergency Services, J&K, was earlier confined to Fire Fighting to safeguard life and property. He said the department has been renamed as Fire & Emergency Services Department as such the nature of duties viz a viz the responsibilities have increased substantially. The Joint Director said that the department has to attend each and every sort of emergency/ disasters etc. like floods/ flash floods, rescue from water, earthquakes, chemical disasters, gas leakages, road accidents, building collapses, avalanches, forest fires, drought besides manmade disasters like war, air raids, bomb blasts etc.He said the department is trying to strengthen and improve the services by providing Hi-tech Disaster Management equipment and training of manpower to deal with such exigencies. The department has procured some specialized appliances and equipment for Disaster Management and some are proposed to be purchased for equipping the department properly.

            The Jawans who laid their lives during fire fighting operations were remembered in the function and in their respect the audience stood for a two minutes silence and prayed for their solace. A wreath was also laid on the memorial.On the occasion, the Jawans of the Fire Services demonstrated a mock drill in which latest machinery and equipment was displayed.Deputy Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Bazaz, Divisional Fire Officer, Syed Shakeel Ahmad, Parade Commander, Mr. Mohammad Rafiq Khan and other officers were present on the occasion.  

2 injured in road mishaps

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14:  2 persons were injured in different road accidents across the valley.A Vehicle bearing registration number JK01N/8670 hit and injured a pedestrian, Zoona Bagam wife of Abdul Ahad Dar resident of Zogiyar Sheeri Baramulla near Amargrah Sopore, jurisdiction of Police Station Tarzoo. The injured lady was shifted to Hospital for treatment. Police Sopore has registered a case and investigation is on. Meanwhile, an Indica Car bearing registration number JK13/8477 hit and injured a girl Arbina-12 Daughter of Ishiq Hussain Dar resident of Zadipora Kulgam near Srundoo, jurisdiction of Police Station Kulgam. The injured shifted to District Hospital Kulgam for treatment. Kulgam Police has registered a case in this regard.

Body recovered in kupwara

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14:  Police recovered a dead body of a girl in North Kashmir today in suspicious circumstances. The girl (Name with held) and resident of Checki Dragmullah jurisdiction of Police Station Kupwara was found dead in suspicious circumstances. Dead body was shifted to Sub District Hospital Kupwara for autopsy. Proceedings under section 174 Criminal Penal Code initiated.

Kazakh Delegation visits Centre of CCAS KU

CCAS to hold Intl seminar on central Asia in September

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14:  With an to  facilitate more  academic collaborations between Kazakistan and the university of Kashmir ,  a six member delegation from Kazakhstan led by  Mr. Dulat Bek Abish  and accompanied by Mr. Ruslan Akhmet, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Kazakhstan New Delhi and Imam of Grand Mosque of Kazakhstan visited Centre of Central Asian Studies, University of Kashmir on 13^thof April 2012 Friday.

              The delegation had a day long interaction with the Director Area Studies Prof. G. M. Mir  faculty and scholars of Centre for central Asian studies (CCAS) and  resolved that mutual relationship and the coordination between CCAS KU  and Kazakhstan need to be further strengthened. In this backdrop an international seminar has been proposed to be organized in the month of September jointly by the CCAS and Kazakhstan. “The seminar will discuss various issues confronting central Asian countries especially  the social and the cultural ones “ the meeting resolved.  It was also resolved that the grave of Mirza Haider Duglati , a  ruler of ancient Kashmir  would be preserved and renovated on the expenses of Kazakh government. The delegation visited CCAS Museum and appreciated the artifacts preserved therein.`

 Earlier Director Area Studies Prof. G. M. Mir gave a warm welcome to the delegation and introduced faculty members. In his welcome address Prof. Mir referred to some of the prominent academic activities that have been undertaken by the CCAS to further strengthen the relations between Kazakhstan and India in general and Kashmir in particular. With reference to a joint project carried out by Centre Asian Studies in collaboration with Ch. Valikhanov Institute related to life and works of Mirza Haider Duglati, the delegation was delighted and showed great enthusiasm in the project carried out jointly. The faculty and scholars of the Centre had a fruitful interaction with the guests with a view to facilitate the academic programme carried out in the Centre.

            Akhoon visits Sonamarg, takes stock of the latest position of Srinagar-Kargil-Leh NHW

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14: Minister for Transport & CA&PD, Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon on Saturday said that Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway would be ready for vehicular traffic from April 25, 2012.During his visit at Captain Moad, the Minister disclosed this while reviving the measures taken by BEACON authority in connection with lifting of snow as well as removing snow avalanches and other hurdles on the said road.On the occasion, the Minister asked the Beacon authorities to accelerate the restoration work on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway to ensure that the vital road would be thrown open for the vehicles at the earliest. The lone link between Leh and rest of the country was closed in December last year due to heavy snowfall at Zojilla pass and adjacent areas.

            The Minister stressed upon the Beacon to press more men and machinery into service for removing all the bottlenecks on the road. He also asked the administration and security agencies to ensure the safe passage of the people who are travelling on foot including vegetables and medicines carrying ponies.Earlier, the Engineer of the Beacon, Mr. A.P. Singh informed the Minister that presently 6 Bulldozers and near about 30 labourers have been pressed into service for removing the snow slides and other hurdles on the road.

            Meanwhile, Mr. Akhoon asked the regulating agencies to repeat the normal schedule for the movement of up down convoy of Army vehicles.He further said that the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways has already approved the construction of 13 kilometres long Zojilla Tunnel in Kashmir Valley to provide all season link to the twin districts of Leh and Kargil and adding that work on this project will be started this year. However, he said that the foundation stone of the first phase 6 kilometres tunnel from Gagangeer to Sonamarg would be laid according to the schedule in the month of August this year.The Minister said that by construction of Zojilla tunnel, a long pending demand of the people of the 2 districts of Kargil and Leh would be fulfilled.Later on at a meeting of district officers, he issued directions to the district officers to restore immediately the electricity, drinking water, medical facilities in Sonamarg and also asked concerned officers for lifting the snow from the parks and main market of the Sonamarg so that bulk number of visiting tourists may not face any more difficulty.The Minister was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal and various district officers.      

Strong Panchayats is a major tool to redress the

Grievances of rural masses: Sagar

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14: The Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today conducted an extensive tour of various villages including Charsoo, Barsoo, Noorpora, Awantipora and Pampore of district Pulwama and reviewed the progress made under various developmental schemes launched by the Rural Development under MG NREGA, IAY and SGSY etc.The Minister was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, Director Rural Development, Kashmir, Mr. Jehangir Mir and other district sectoral heads.

            Addressing the people, the Minister said that under MG NREGA Rs. 750 crores out of Rs. 900 crores have been spent during the last financial year. He said that efforts are on to make strong Panchayats by involving the Panchs and Sarpanchs in the development process of the rural areas at grass root level.Meanwhile, the Director Rural Development, Kashmir in his address said that under MG NREGA, Rs. 14.44 crore against Rs. 17.60 crores have been spent in District Pulwama while 32,153 job cards have been issued to the unemployed persons. He further said that during the last financial year 7.06 lakh mandays have been made available to the job card holders. He said Rs. 5.95 crore have been utilized under IAY for construction of 1822 low cost houses.          

DC Budgam inaugurates Foot Bridge over Sukhnag nallah

              

Srinagar, April (VOS) 14: Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Mr. Mohammad Rafi inaugurated a foot bridge over Sukhnag nallah in Beerwah, Budgam. Built over a cost of Rs. 80 lakhs the bridge would help connect the twin villages mostly inhabited by members of Sikh community.Later, the Deputy Commissioner visited the local Gurdwara and felicitated the members of the community on the occasion of Baisakhi.President, Gurdwara Prabandak Committee Budgam, S. Gurjeet Singh accompanied the Deputy Commissioner.

Tong-IL Moo Do International Championship to be held at Malaysia on May 2012

            SRINAGAR, APRIL 14: The President of Jammu and Kashmir Tong-IL Moo Do (JKTA), Mr. Raja G. N. Wani at a press conference today gave special thanks to the Secretary, J&K State Sports Council, staff members of Indoor Stadium, Srinagar and parents of all the 550 players who participated in the State Championship.

            Among all the districts of Valley, Linton Hall School, Rajbagh Srinagar bagged 55 medals followed by Ali Academy district Bandipora with 10 medals, Kupwara came third with 4 medals, Kargil bagged 3 medals whileas Jammu bagged 2 medals.

            Member Legislative Assembly Gurez, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi gave a cash award of Rs. 35,000 to Bandipora team.

            Mr. Wani also informed the press that 4 players namely Kariha Javaid, Ansiya tul Hawara, Mohammad Inam Khan and Adnan Ayoub, who had been selected in Pune Maharashtra in 2011, will participate in the International Championship to be held at Malaysia in the month of May 2012.

            The President JKTA applauded the role of all the officials and Members of the Association. He also announced a grand party for the successful completion of the State Championship 2012.

Thousands of devotees attend Hazrat Baba Hanief-ud-Din Reshi conference at Hanief-ud-Din Shrine

Mirwaiz centre Moulana Latif, President, Zain-ud-din Intizamia, Chairman, Bulbul Shah Trust, Gen. Secy, Makhdoom Trust, Tujar Shrine addressed devotees

SRINAGAR, APRIL 14- On the captivating hilltops of Hazrat Baba Hanief Din Shrine, thousands of devotees attended spiritual congregation in which contribution of Hazrat Baba Hanief-ud-Din Reshi was highlighted. Hazrat Baba Hanief-ud-Din Reshi was the disciple of H. Zain Shah Wali of Ashmuqam and Zain-ud-Din. Shah Wali was a direct associate and disciple of Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA).

The people of Rathsun, Dragun, Chewdara and Beerwah assembled in large number inside and outside the shrine. During early 90’s same was rebuilt by the district administration Budgam in recent past. People of the area have tremendous faith in spiritual heights of this great sufi saint. They assemble usually at the wee hours of morning to recite darood-u-Azkar and divine poetry of Hazrat Baba Hanief-ud-Din Reshi. Hanief-ud-Din Grave has very mysterious miracles which people have seen with their own eyes, “They believe that entire area around this hilltop owe spiritual blessings of this great sufi saint.

On this occasion, Mirwaiz centre Moulana Alama Latif Bukhari, Chairman of Mazharul-Haq Institute and Mirwaiz of Jamia Masjid Beerwah in his address enlightened the devotees about the great philosophy of great sufi saints and Awlia Kiram. He said that from Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali to Zain Shah Wali and from Zain Shah Wali to Baba Hanief-ud-Din and consequently, from Baba Hanief-ud-Din to Lassi Reshi whose shrine is also down below the hilltops, the moral and spiritual education for which Kashmir is known as superior civilization has passed from one generation to another generation. The father of Moulana Latif Sahib who was known as Sir Syed Sani of Beerwah has also established Mazharul Haq Educational Institute which has imparted sufi education to highlight the contribution of great sufi saints and Awlia Kiram.

On this occasion, Director Information and Chairman Bulbul Shah Trust, Khawaja Renzushah said that in 1321 with the arrival of Hazrat Bulbul Shah (RA), great sufi saint, from east Turkistan and Kashghar to Kashmir, a new civilization based on moral values and mutual love has come into existence. He said that spiritual influence of Hazrat Bulbul Shah (RA) was so effective and prevailing that the king of the time Hazrat Ranchanshah came under his direct influence and he was entitled as Sadr-ud-Din (RA) and immediately after this phase, Kashmir found its place in the highest civilization based on love and mutual brotherhood.

He said arrival of Hazrat Amir-i-Kabir (RA) and birth of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) in Kashmir are such historical facts that everyone should be proud of because all these sufi saints and Awlia Kiram have spread the message of love, love and love only. Therefore, the attendance of such a large number of people on the hilltops of shrine of Baba Hanief-ud-Din is indication of the fact that everyone wants to adopt the path of love and be part of revolution of love.

The president of the Intizamiya Committee of Zain-ud-Din Wali Shrine of Aishmuqam, Dr. A. R. Khadim, General Secretary of Mukhdoom Trust of Hazrat Tujr Sharief Shrine, Jenab Moulana Mohammad Sultan Mukhdoomi, Jenab Fayaz Ahmed Bhat who has played a vital role in re-building the shrine of Hazrat Bagdadi of Qazigund and is chairman of Peace Foundation also spoke on the occasion.

The Mujawir and the members of Intizamia Committee of Hazrat Hanief-ud-Din Shrine also addressed on the occasion.

People living around hilltop of the shrine appealed that a road from Drugur to the shrine through MGNREGA may be constructed so that devotees of Drugur are able to reach the shrine. Appeal was also made for upgradation of existing road from Beerwah to the shrine, supply of regular water and electricity to the place of the shrine and construction of Ablution bathrooms (Wadhu Khana).

MA National Urdu University plans its campus in Budgam: Rafi

Inaugurates bridge to connect Gurd Wara in Beerwa

BUDGAM, APRIL 14- Saying that the state government plans to establish a full-fledged Regional Campus of Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Patwaw area of educationally backward district Budgam shortly, the District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Mr. Mohammad Rafi today said that the move is aimed at to provide wide ranging educational facilities to the students of the district adding that land site for the proposed university has already been endorsed by the concerned university authorities. He said the university campus apart from offering other modern streams with Urdu as medium of teaching, shall have vocational education component also to enhance employability of the students.

Speaking at an interactive session, to mark the 121^st Birth Anniversary of B. R./ Ambedkar- architect of the Indian constitution-, held in Sheikh-ul-alam Hall, Budgam today, Mr. Rafi said that opening of the Regional Campus of MANUU at Budgam will be a boon for the students of the district Budgam keeping in view its educational backwardness.

A large number of leaders and Panchs and Sarpanchs representing backward classes and Gujjar, Bakerwal communities drawn from various districts of the Kashmir division and senior officers of the district administration were present on the occasion, who highlighted various issues pertaining to their development needs, reservation matters and other grievances related to their day-to-day life.

Mr. Rafi informed the gathering that holding of panchayat elections after a long gap of about 30 years would go a long way in bringing a turnaround in the socio-economic transformation of the backward, under privileged and reserved classes of the society adding that panches and sarpanches of the district can now themselves formulate plans upto a minimum of Rs. 108 crore in a fiscal wherein they can give vent to their local needs and urges. He said RTI and PSGA have empowered the people including members of the reserved categories.

In a separate function, coinciding with Baisakhi festival, Mr. Rafi inaugurated a 32 meter span bridge over nallah Sukhnag at Beerwa town which connects Gurdwara Beerwa to other parts of the district. The bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 80 lakhs. The demand for construction for the bridge was made by local Sikh community on the occasion of last year’s Baisakhi festival.