Sunday 15 April 2012




UJC calls Indo-Pak ties, potential threat to K-issue.
Salah ud din urges Separatist groups to get united.

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15:  Announcing the latest Indo –Pak dialogue process a ‘potential threat’ to Kashmir resolution, United Jihad Council supremo and Hizb Chief Syed Salah u din  has appealed the separatist camp to stand united and defeat what he called ‘ the conspiracy’ toward  isolating  Kashmiris. “Initiatives on bilateral trade from New Delhi and Islamabad to strengthen the strained relations between the two countries is aimed to divert attention from Kashmir dispute.”  Salah ud din told VOS in a telephonic interview from Muzaferabad on Sunday. He said that Jihad Council was not averse to better relations between the two rival countries but warned that such process could be aimed to take the focus away from the 65 year old and ‘core issue’ of Kashmir . “ K- Issue has been a core issue between the two countries but now  efforts are being made to put the issue on backburner and get on with cultural and trade exchange .” alleged Hizb Chief, adding that “  Diversionary and trade-centered dialogue process cant solve the Kashmir dispute.”
While terming Kashmir issue as the biggest ‘hurdle’ in the indo-Pak relations building, UJC supremo told VOS, “Peace can’t prevail in south Asia unless Kashmir dispute is addressed.” He added, “Both the countries are trying to solve K-issue to further cultural exchange and trade.”  Observing the latest political developments as ‘dangerous’ for stability in the region and frustrating for Kashmiris, the Hizb commander urged both the factions of Hurriyat and other separatist groups to adopt a united strategy and make people aware of the ‘drastic consequences’ such developments would bring in, when the growing ‘friendly relations’ between the two neighboring countries are built at the cost of Kashmir.  He urged the separatists to make it clear to both the countries that unless Kashmir issue was not addressed, no friendly relations between the two were acceptable to Kashmiris.
Expressing his concern over the latest developments, the UJC chief said, “India will definitely use this opportunity to mislead the international community.”Asking Hurriyat leadership to desist from welcoming the  ‘friendly ties’ between the two countries, the militant commander said, “Instead of pleasing them, you should make it clear to both the countries that Onion and Potato trade can’t be costlier than the blood of Kashmiris and that Kashmiris have not laid down their lives for such things.” He added. “If the relations had to be normal it could have been 30 years earlier and why was the need to sacrifice more than a lakh people of the state.”  Arguing Pakistan’s decision  to grant MFN status to India after 16 years, he  Claimed that India was intending to extend its reach to the central Assian market while making Pakistan a gate way. Salah u din however maintained that Kashmiris had sacrificed their lives for ‘demilitarization’.
Rejecting the interlocutor’s report on Kashmir, Hizb Chief said , “ If we were to believe the leaked contents of the report, it gives us the impression that the 65 year old Kashmir issue hasn’t even been touched. They have suggested something strange and new which doubles our worries.”
 He said that railway tracks, road infrastructure and other developmental projects were not the alternative to the sacrifices made by people of the state for right to self determination and added that such projects were to strengthen the Indian control on the ‘disputed territory.’
Salah u din also castigated government for  attempting   to change the demography of the state, alleging “ non residents are being issued the state subject certificates in disputed territory.” VOS

Indo-Pak bonhomie at Wagha is result
of PDP’s pro peace policies: Mufti

Says, “Arrogant coalition not interested to strengthen democratic institutions in state.”

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15: Expressing his serious concern over arrogant attitude of the National Conference led coalition regime for not delegating powers to the Panchayats, patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammd Sayed today ridiculed demand of Congress leaders to extend 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. “Congress leaders have been demanding extension of these two amendments in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions but party (Congress), which is part of the government, has failed to even convince its coalition partner to conduct elections of Block and District Semities of Panchayti Raj Institutions”, Mr Sayeed said while addressing one day convention of party workers at Kathua under stgate law.  
He said that delay in constituting Block and District Committees was a clear indication that this regime, with dictatorial mindset, was not interested in strengthening democratic institutions in the State.

“Almost one year has been passed after completion of the Panchayat elections but Block and District are yet to be constituted because the government is not interested to empower and strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions in the State”, he said, adding, “I do not know at which capacity the Congress leaders have been demanding extension of 73rd and 74thamendments because they are equally responsible for eroding sanctity of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state”, the former Chief Minister said.
Coming down heavily on coalition regime for undermining all democratic institutions, Mufti reminded that civic bodies elections, which were due in the month of February 2010, has been delayed with one or other excuse.  “The Government, even in the Governor’s Address this year, had promised to complete the process of civic bodies elections by the end of April this year but it has renegade the promise”, he pointed out and added that during the last three years this regime has eroded and undermined all prestigious democratic institutions be it Assembly, local bodies or Panchayati Raj Institutions.


          “With its assiduous efforts the PDP had restored peoples’ faith in the democracy but the present government headed by NC is brazenly trying to undermine the democratic institutions”, Mr Sayeed and cautioned that such authoritarian attitude adopted by the coalition regime would be proved disastrous for the State. He reminded that infamous 1987 rigged Assembly elections had badly shattered peoples’ faith in the democratic system.
PDP patron while hailing recent decisions of India and Pakistan to dismantle all trade barriers and ease visa restrictions, Mufti said that Indo-Pak bonhomie at Wagha border was result of the pro-peace policies being initiated by the PDP.He said that PDP has pioneered a political and economic agenda to establish sustainable peace in the subcontinent. “Establishing lasting peace and to consolidate the reconciliation process is on the top of the agenda of PDP ", Sayeed said, adding, “Our party, through its pro-peace policies, has consolidated reconciliation process and facilitated the efforts of establishing peace in this region.

While reminding party workers about the historic rally on former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpyee at Srinagar on April 18, 2003 where he (Vajpayee) had extended hands of friendship towards Pakistan despite tension on border, Mr Sayeed said that historic event was the beginning of the era of peace in this region and credit for this goes the PDP. “Beginning of cross-LoC trade, the opening of Srinagar-Muzafarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote roads are noticeable achievements of PDP”, he said and added that present UPA regime headed by Dr Manmohan Singh has also supported the pro-peace policies of PDP. He further mentioned that prevailing peace all along the borders from Kathua to Kargil was result of the reconciliatory policy pioneered and propagated by the PDP. He asserted that biggest achievements of PDP was that it has created conducive atmosphere for initiating peace process and taking the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to normalize relations between  India and Pakistan.

Responding to the demands raised by party workers, PDP patron assured that their demands would be effectively taken up by the party. Trilok Singh Bajwa, Daman Bhasin, Hussain Ali Wafa, Falail Singh, Suresh Sharma, Nizam-ud –din Khatana, Surinder Singh, Abjeet Jasrotia, Narinder Singh Raina, Digvijay Singh, Vinod Gupta, Guru Parshad, Nirmal Kishore, Jodh Singh, Jagdish Singh, Doulat Ram, Mohammed Rafi, Joginder Singh, Manohar Singh, Randeep Jasrotia, Pradeep Sambyal, Rouf, Swarandeep Singh, Neeraj Sharma and others also addressed the meeting.

NC for better Indo-Pak relations: Rana

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15:  Badyal Brahmana April 15, 2012:- Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Devender Singh Rana today said that J&K National Conference has always played a pivotal role for better Indo-Pak relations and shall continue to do so in the future as well in the interest of the two countries and the welfare of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He said healthy Indo-Pak relations are pertinent for peace not only in the state but the entire south-asian region and it should be the effort of all right thinking people to facilitate the process of cordiality between the two neighboring countries.Rana said those living on the border are testimony to the sufferings they had to face every time Indo-Pak relations touched their northern point. He said it is the endeavour of the J&K National Conference to work for harmony between the two nations to ensure lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.Rana who was addressing a public meeting at Badyal Brahmana in Suchetgarh assembly constituency said that the political forces which have no ideology and agenda for the welfare of the people of the state indulge in communal politics and damage the society as a whole which has far reaching wider ramifications for the generations to come and such communal politics and parties needs to be rejected out rightly.

Rana said J&K National Conference right from its inception has laid the foundation of secularism, brotherhood and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir and is committed to strengthen the state’s pluralistic ethos by strengthening the bonds of amity between various sections of the society.The Political Advisor said that under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, the state coalition government is pursuing the agenda of equitable development and harmony in the state. He said achievements registered and measures taken during the last three years on socio-economic and political fronts to accelerate development and bring in peace and stability speak for themselves.

Rana said that the Panchayati Raj which has came in place is in its infancy and is in the process of settling down in the system but the coalition government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to a robust Three Tier Panchyati Raj where the process of planning will start from the village level so that the benefits of the government’s politics reach the last mile. He urged the Panches and Sarpanches to keep a close eye on the delivery mechanism at the grass root level and make it accountable and sustainable.

Addressing the gathering Provincial President J&K National Conference, Jammu province Rattan Lal Gupta said that J&K National Conference is committed to fulfill the commitments made in the election manifesto and will come to the expectations of the people of the state who have reposed full faith and confidence in the dynamic leadership of Omar Abdullah.

Rattan Lal Gupta said peace is imperative for the overall development of the state and the state coalition government led by Omar Abdullah has taken various historical measures to bring in peace and prosperity in the state laying special emphasis on the border areas of the state.Taranjeet Singh Tony while addressing the gathering called upon the party rank and file to come forward and strengthen the hands of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in his endeavour of bringing in peace, prosperity and development in the state.

Among others who addressed the gathering on the occasion included S. Balwinder Singh Sarpanch, Raj Kumar Sarpanch, Tarsem Lal Sharma, Sarpanch, Capt. Om Parkash Sarpanch, Kulwinder Singh  Sarpanch, Jogindro Devi Niab Sarpanch, Rakesh Sharma, Choudhary Yashpal, Dhan Raj, Behari Lal, Jagdish Lal, Janak Singh, Sudershan Choudhary, Master Amarnath, Sultan Mirza, Lovely Singh, Raj Kumar and Kala Ram Khullar.



Mehooba seeks peoples’ support to
fulfill progressive agenda of PDP

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15:  Seeking cooperation and support of the people to fulfill visionary and progressive agenda of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today said that programmes and policies of her party were formulated by incorporating wishes and aspirations of all sections of the society.Addressing public meetings at Gujjar Nagar and Christian Colony in Jammu East assembly segment, Ms Mufti reminded the people that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as Chief Minister of the state has set an example of good governance. “In his three year tenure Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has carved out of a path of equitable  and balanced development in the State”, she said and maintained that as Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has set a standard of governance in which justice was given to all regions and aspirations of every sections of the society were addressed. She listed various developmental projects which were started in Jammu city during the tenure of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

PDP chief said that during the three tenure of PDP serious efforts were made  to eradicate the menace of corruption. “PDP led regime had institutionalized the process of recruitment and brought transparency and accountability in the governance”, she recalled and added that it was all due to good work of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed that PDP has earned credibility of the common masses. She asserted that her party has challenged decades long hegemony of National Conference and with the confidence and faith of the people PDP has emerged as biggest political force in Jammu and Kashmir.
PDP, however, regretted that the present headed by National Conference has miserable failed to connect itself with the common masses. “What to say of carrying forward the developmental agenda of previous PDP led regime, the present dispensation has even reversed the whole process”, she regretted and added that NC led regime has failed to provide even basic amenities to the people.She said that for the last more than three years, residents of state have been deprived of basic amenities because the present dispensation was casual towards proving such amenities to the people.Responding to the demands of Christian Colony, PDP president assured that the party would agitate the issue of returning Christian Community centres taken over by the Social Welfare Department from the locala.


                    
Beacon Loosing credibility : Tarigami, Appeals govt. to provide better road connectivity in Bpr.

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15:  Lashing out at beacon authorities, CPI (M) general secretary and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousf Tarigami has said that the central government organization has failed to upgrade and renovate the Srinagar-Bandipora highway, saying the road had become a troubling factor for the people of that area. “  The credibility of Beacon has gone upside down among people who say that every year they are being promised of a better road connectivity.” Tarigami told VOS during his one day visit to various areas of the northern frontier district. He added that a one and half hour journey from Srinagar takes almost double owing to dilapidated condition of the road which ahs according to him pot holes and rough patches almost all along the stretch. “ Feel the pain of those patients who are being referred to Srinagar in case of emergency. Feel the tiredness of those university students and employees who travel on that route daily  basis.” Tarigami questioned Beacon authorities and demanded that the up gradation work on all important roads of the district be taken up immediately.



Restoration of autonomy is the best solution of K-issue: NC

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15: National Conference today said that Right to Information Act, Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for the Youth (SKEWPY) and election to the Panchayat after 2 decades are some of the many historical decision taken by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the last three years.Addressing a massive public gathering at Singhpora, Pattan in North Kashmir, the National Conference provincial president Ali Mohammad Dar, said that party is fully satisfied with the performance of the Chief Minister. He said despite the summer unrest the government headed by Omar Abdullah never let the governance suffer.  He said “Right to Information Act (RTI) was introduced which gives any one the power to make the government departments accountable and make the society free of corruption. He added that Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for the Youth (SKEWPY) was another historic decision benefiting lacs of unemployed youth. Highlighting the contribution of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dar said, the land to tiller act can never be forgotten by the people of Kashmir as it gave the peasants ownership rights to their property. Addressing the gathering, National Conference senior leader and Member Parliament from north Kashmir, Sharif-ud-Din Shariq said that party welcomes the steps taken by leadership of India and Pakistan for setting of Banking and other facilities for the people of both the countries, adding that these steps will reduce the trust deficit and help restart the dialogue process for the resolution of the Kashmir issue,” he said.

The Member Parliament said that opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has started a negative campaign against the state government, but such moves have been rejected by the people. “The people of state have rejected to slogan politics of PDP. They are fully aware, about the sincere efforts of chief minister in resolving day to day problems of the people,” he said.Shariq also said that restoration of internal autonomy is the best possible formula to resolve Kashmir issue. “Our autonomy proposal has been widely accepted and leaders across the world have appreciated it.Provincial secretary G. A. Saloora on the occasion said that people should prepare for the civil polls and support the party candidates. He said that party leadership is committed to mitigate the problems of the people and people should also support the initiatives of chief
minister for the overall development of the people. One the occasion, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, joint secretary Province and
Sheikh Reyaz Ahmad District secretary Baramulla also addressed the
people. The leaders stressed upon the party workers to work for the
strengthening of the party.


Coordination imperative for enhancing better performance: Rajindra

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15: Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Armed/Law & Order,. K. Rajindra Kumar today held a meeting of police officers at Srinagar to review the arrangements of deployment of armed police personnel for law and order duties and forthcoming Shri Amar Nathji Yatra. He stressed upon the officers for adopting a comprehensive deployment plan to maintain peace and security in the valley so that people can carry out their day-to-day activities in a secure atmosphere during the summer season.
            Addressing the meeting, the ADGP said that armed personnel have to assist the executive police in maintaining law and order in the State, adding joint efforts need to be taken to make the system more effective. He said that coordination among all the agencies involved in maintaining the peace is imperative and frequent meetings among these agencies would enhance their performance. He said that armed police has played an important role in maintaining law and order besides performing other duties and the force has to remain vigilant to help the people in all areas of the State. The force has always remained in the service of the people in the State and has shared its responsibilities effectively to minimize the miseries of the people during odd times, he added.
            During the meeting preparedness for deployment of manpower for forthcoming Amar Nathji Yatra also came up for discussion. The ADGP told the meeting that sufficient deployment would be made in consultation with other agencies, along the yarta routes in the valley and in this regard preparations have already been stared. He said that logistic equipment should be sorted out to make the arrangements in advance so that manpower could deal any situation firmly. He stressed to enhance their synergy and seek public cooperation in maintaining the security during the yatra. He asked the Commandants of armed and IRP battalions to furnish their requirements of non-lethal weapons, communication equipment, mobility and other allied requirements to strengthen the armed contingents.
            Earlier, Mr. Rajindra visited Commando Training Centre (CTC) Lethpore and took stock of the training activities being carried out in the Centre. He was told that 942 recruit constables are presently undergoing for basic training course in the Centre. He asked the training staff to complete the syllabus within the time frame and ingrain moral values and firm will-power in the recruits. He also addressed a darbar of the trainees and asked them to get  ready for exhibiting their capabilities in the field with a sense of public service, patience and discipline.
            Among others, the meeting and the darbar were attended by Inspector General of Police  Armed, (Kashmir), Mr. Rauf-ul-Hassan, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Mr. P. Namgiyal and Mr. K. L. Bhagat, Principals, CTS, Lethpora and STC Shree, Mr. Sanjiv Khajuria and Mr. Fareed Ahmed Khan and all Valley based Commandants of Armed/IRP battalions besides other police officers.


GAD must issue circular on new RTI fee structure

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15:  The Convener of Jammu and Kashmir RTI Movement Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat has demanded issuing of  a Government circular by General Administration Department (GAD)  to all the public authorities of the State directing them to charge only Rs 10 as application fees  under State RTI Act in compliance with the recent High Court directions. Speaking at a meeting of RTI activists at Neegu Branwar in  Budgam Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat said that many Public Information Officers ( PIOs) are not adhering to the High Court Division Bench’s  order  pronounced on March 13th 2012  wherein the Government has been directed to charge Rs 10 as RTI application fees and Rs 2 as Photostat fees per copy instead of Rs 50 and Rs 10 respectively. The officers are demanding Government circular in this regard.

 “This order according to High Court judgment would be effective from March 13 till the next hearing of this case. It is a matter of concern that Government officials especially the PIOs are charging more fees from the RTI applicants. We are receiving continuous complaints from Bandipora, Srinagar, Jammu , Doda  and other districts that officials are demanding fees charged previously (Rs 50) and the PIOs are asking for Government circular in this regard which is yet to be circulated by the General Administration Department Dr Muzaffar added.

RTI Movement has also criticized the Government for failing to make voluntary / pro active disclosure under section 4 (1) (b) of J&K RTI Act 2009. Even the awareness programmes on RTI Act are not being conducted by the Govt. The Chief Minister had assured us last year that awareness programmes on RTI  will be organized at District level ,  but except Budgam district no other DC has taken any initiative in this regard inspite of the fact that GAD had issued a circular to all the DC’s early last year under circular No: 10-GAD of 2011 Dated: 25.02.2011 for creating awareness about RTI Act.If Govt is making people aware about Public Services Guarantee Act why not such an imitative is taken with regard to RTI Act ?



Girl ends life in Kulgam

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15: Twenty-year old girl died after consuming some poisonous substance in South Kashmir last evening.A girl (name with held) of age 20 years resident of Bougund consumed some poisonous substance at her residence and was shifted to District Hospital Kulgam, were she was declared brought dead. The body was handed over to her NOK’s for last rites. Police Kulgam has registered a case in this regard. Mean while, Two persons were injured in a road accident in North Kashmir today.A Sumo bearing registration number JK05A/1568 hit and injured two pedestrians, Mehbooba Ramzan age 23 daughter of Mohammad Ramzan Lone resident of Dandoora Pattan and Jana Begum age 35 wife of Nazir Ahmad Khan resident of Hardshoora, Kunzer, near Kunzer market, under jurisdiction of Police Station Kunzer. Both the injured were hospitalized. Kunzer Police has registered a case in this regard.

            Govt. to explore road connectivity between Dachigam-Tarsar, Marsar lakes: Taj

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi ud Din today said the Government would explore road connectivity between Dachigam and Tarsar-Marsar lakes to exploit the hidden tourist potential of the area. He said the project would be examined under PMGSY.Addressing a gathering during his tour of the area, the Minister said the present government has embarked upon the development of all regions and areas on equal footing. He regretted that Tral could not take off on the developmental flight due to disturbed conditions in the area but hoped that now on the people would join the development offensive of the government to make their area a developed one. He said special attention would be paid towards the development needs of the area. He asked people to take extra care while choosing their representatives.Taj reviewed the developmental scenario in the town in a joint meeting of officers, engineers and prominent citizens. He directed the engineers to complete all the ongoing hydraulic projects in the town on priority. He said the Rs. 8 crore liabilities generated on account of several projects in the town would be released soon. He directed immediate repairs of protection bund near the local Gurdwara.Earlier on his arrival; the Minister visited the local Gurdwara and addressed the gathering of members of Sikh community who had come from different parts of the Valley in connection with Baisakhi celebrations. He complimented people on the eve of Baisakhi hoping the festival brings along peace, progress and development for the State.
            During the tour, the Minister interacted with several deputations who brought their problems into his notice on which he assured their redressal.
Welcoming the Minister to the town, prominent social activist of the area, S. Surinder Singh Channi thanked Mr. Taj for promptly redressing the problems of drinking water and irrigation needs in the State besides taking several revolutionary steps to augment the sector. Chief Engineers of several hydraulic wings, officers of District administration accompanied the Minister during the visit.




Urs Sharief of Sufi Saint Hazrat Baba Syed Soliha RA Celebrated with Spiritual fervor

Srinagar, April (VOS) 15:  Thousands of Devotees of entire Gogo Chek, Humhama, Wowusa, Regreth and Wanabal assembled at the Holy Shrine of Sufi Saint Hazrat Baba  Syed Soliha (RA). Hazrat Baba Syed Soliha (RA) is one of the associate who had arrived to Kashmir during the period of Hazrat Bulbul Shah (RA) and Hazrat Shah-i-Hamdan (RA) and made Gogo Chek as his Spiritual abode. His Shrine was reconstructed four years before and the then Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Khawja  Renzushah laid the foundation of reconstructed Shrine. Today the Chairman of Intizamia Committee of Sufi Saint Hazrat Baba Syed Soliha (RA) Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gogo, Mr Movlana Hakani , Movlana Zahoor Ahmad, Mr.Badana, Gh Mohammad Dar and other respectable personalities addressed the huge gathering assembled on the occasion.The Director Information Khawja Renzushah was also present on the occasion of Urs Mubarak. On the request of Intizamia Committee of Sufi Saint Hazrat Baba Syed Soliha (RA)   it was agreed that Hazrat Bulbulshah Trust will also take care of up gradation of the holy Shrine.While speaking on the occasion, Movlana Hakani Sahib described in detail the contribution of Sufi Saint Hazrat Bulbulshah (RA), Hazrat Amir-Kabeer (RA) , Hazrat Sheikh ul Alam (RA) and Hazrat Makhdoom  Sahib (RA)   in rebuilding the great civilization of Kashmir, which is based on mutual love and brotherhood.
Renzushah said on the occasion, that the arrival of Hazrat Bulbulshah (RA)  and Hazrat Amir-i-Kabeer (RA)   are such land marks in the history of our State which has opened new chapter of mutual love and benevolence.
Moulana Zahoor also recited Darood-o-Azkaar on the occasion, which was joined by all the devotees who were present in the large number on the occasion. 

Baseer Khan flags off Cyclothon in Sgr
            SRINAGAR, APRIL 15: The District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan flagged off a cyclothon from Poloview to Bakshi Stadium here today. The cycle rally was organised by an NGO ‘CHANGE’, a local socio environment group in collaboration with various cycle associations of the state. About 1500 cyclists participated in the rally.
            The objective of organising the rally was to bring about positive change in the health, socio-economic and cultural environment of the state at micro level so that real change can be caused at macro level.
            Among others, Tafazul Husain, Executive President, J&K Bank and Aamir Ali were present on the occasion.
            Later, a colourful event was organised at Indoor Stadium Srinagar in which a large number of people participated.
MuMultiple coordinated blasts rock diplomatic enclave in Afghan capital
Taliban militants have launched multiple coordinated attacks in the diplomatic enclave in Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, and three other cities, Press TV reports.


Several heavy bomb explosions and gunfire were heard on Sunday, setting off building warning alarms at the US, British, and German embassies. 

According to Afghanistan's Interior Ministry, a total of at least 16 militants have been killed in the attacks, while 14 policemen and nine civilians have also been injured. 

The Taliban have reportedly dubbed the attacks the start of their ‘spring offensive.’ 

Although the German Embassy has sustained damage, no reports of staff injuries have been made. 

All foreign embassies in Kabul, the NATO headquarters, and the presidential palace are on lockdown following the attacks. 

Rockets were also fired at the Afghan parliament building and the Russian Embassy in another part of the city. 

Afghan police say the assailants tried to enter the parliament but were driven back. 

The militants also stormed the Star Hotel near Hamid Karzai’s residence in the capital. 

Roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are by far the most lethal weapon Taliban militants use against Afghan forces, foreign troops, and civilians. 

Overall, 3,021 civilians died in violence related to the war and 4,507 were wounded in 2011. 

Despite the presence of some 130,000 US-led forces in Afghanistan, insecurity continues to rise across the Asian country. 




















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