Justice Bedi rejects Council’s appeal to question CM and others.

“Commission nothing but a Lion without teeth.”: Advocate Mushtaq.

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS) : In an important development, Justic (Rtd.) Bedi who is probing the mysterious death of  syed Mohammad Yousf on Friday rejected the appeal of the his Council to summon Chief Minster Omar Abdullah, MoS Home Nasir Aslam Wani and CM’s political advisor Davinder Singh Rana for questioning and arguments. Mushtaq who is representing the case on behalf of Yousf’s son before the commission termed the decision as ‘unfortunate’ and said that all the hopes of getting justice were dashed to ground. “ I had a hope of truth prevailing someday but it seems there is no end to the tunnel.” Advocate Mushtaq told VOS over phone. He said that he had requested to question 14 persons including Chief Minster Omar Abdullah, MOS Home Nasir Aslam Wani, CM’s Political advisor Davinder Singh Rana, then IG Crime Raja Aijaz Ali Khan, SSP Crime Ab. Gafar Malik, CM’’s Secretary Asgar Hussin, Mohammad Yousf Bhat of Ganderbal and others. Mushtaq however claimed that one man commission allowed him to question  only 5 persons . “Unless I am not allowed to have question sessions or arguments with these nine people I am denied access to, surfacing the facts would be a distant dream.” Claimed Mushtaq, who said that Bedi Commission was nothing but a “Lion without teeth.”

Pertinently he mysterious death of Syed Yousf had raised political storm last year after which a single man commission was set up on the recommendation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to hold an inquiry.

Mirwaiz accuses Union Govt. of spreading sectarian hatred in Valley.

Says, bureaucrats given the job of dividing Kashmir in the garb of kashmiryat.

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS) : Blaming Union government of trying to divide Kashmir on sectarian lines Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has lashed out at New Delhi for what he said using its bureaucrats and other machinery to spread sectarian hatred among people of Kashmir.  Addressing the Friday congregation at historic Jaama Masjid, Mirwaiz said, “Govt. is now trying to divide Kashmiris on sectarian basis through its paid agents and officers. I warn govt. and such officers to desist from such practices.” According to VOS, Mirwaiz while expressing his great displeasure over the issue alleged that these officers on behest of govt. were busy in creating sectarian and communal hatred in rural as well as urban classes. “ I without any ambiguity warn govt. to stop the practice and we vow to fight it at every level.” Asserted Mirwaiz, adding that if required such officers will be exposed.

“These people have failed to keep Kashmiris at bay from the freedom movement and now efforts are being made to divide Kashmir on sectarian basis.” Maintained Mirwaiz. He added that Govt. had nothing to do with the construction of religious places and said that govt. should keep away from interfering in the religious activities. “ Union Govt. is dividing kashmiri Muslims  in the garb of Kashmiryat.” Alleged Mirwaiz. He said that nobody will be allowed to succeed in spreading the sectarian violence or hatred in Kashmir.

Peace in Valley subservient to action against forces involved in HR abuse. HRW.

“If Omar wants relief for his people, why should army become an obstacle” Ganguli.

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS)   A day after UN secretary general Ban ki Moon arrived in New Delhi on a four day visit to India, International Human rights Watchdog, Human Rights Watch (HRW) while hailing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his efforts to revoke controversial AFSPA, has said that nobody should expect return of peace in trouble hit valley unless security forces involved in excesses were not booked. “There is anger in the Kashmiri people about the inaction against the security force personnel involved in the human rights violations.” Director for South Asia Meenakashi Ganguli with the US based HR watchdog told VOS over phone from New Delhi on Friday, adding that the grievances of the people needed to be addressed. “ Unless you don’t take action against the security forces involved in HR abuses, nobody can guarantee peace in valley.” Claimed Meenakashi. While endorsing Chief Miinster Omar Abdullah’s demand of AFSPA revocation, Ganguli said, “ I am surprised with the approach of Central govt. and army on the issue.”She added that maintaining Law and Order in any state was the duty of Civil Administration not that of Army.” She asserted that Army should not come in way of AFSPA revocation. “If Omar Abdullah wants to benefit people, why should army become an obstacle.” Maintained Ganguli. Rejecting any immediate visit to alley, the director Human Rights watch told VOS, the two member team of the HR watchdog has finalized the report of Kashmir. She however said that though the team would send its team again to the state but denied any immediate visit. “ we are submitting report to to our higher officials.” Told Meenakashi. “ people are being apprehended in the garb of controversial laws in Kashmir and people are being kept behind the bars for a prolonged period.” Observed Meenakashi. Meanwhile terming the visit of Human Rights watch team to alley a welcome step, Coordinator, coalition of civil societies and human rights activist Khuram Paraiz told VOS, “when international organization send their people to alley to take stock of the situation on spot, the real picture of the valley stands exposed.” He also welcomed the Ganguli’s statement on AFSPA.

Political resolution of K-issue will remove the shadow of gun: Omar

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS)   Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday said that the shadow of gun from the State would be removed once for all when the basic political issues of Jammu and Kashmir are addressed and resolved amicably. “In this regard we are in favour of continuous dialogue between India and Pakistan”, he said adding that the internal dialogue between the State and the Centre is also of significant importance. Addressing party workers at Mandi and Surankote in Poonch District of Jammu Division, the Chief Minister who is also Working President of National Conference said that National Conference has always supported good Indo-Pak relations and political settlement of political issues in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere. “I have repeatedly stated that the economic development cannot resolve and replace the political issues. Both have their significance and need to be addressed separately and in specific spectrums”, he said assuring the people that he will continue his endeavours towards prosperity and permanent peace of the State and creating a tranquil and conducive atmosphere where gun will be totally irrelevant and absurd. The Chief Minister asked for wholehearted and overwhelming support of the masses in his two-pronged policy of seeking prosperity and political stability with all round development in the State. “Your support is necessary in the success of my efforts”, he stressed.Omar Abdullah asked the people to strengthen the State’s pluralistic ethos and fail the nefarious designs of the vested interests aimed at dividing society in the name of region, religion and caste. “Certain elements are bent upon dividing you on various counts including those of region and religion”, he told the people asking them to exhibit their unity against such elements.

            “You will come across a set of people who try to divide you for their self interests and disturb the tranquility and development process in the State”, he said. He said when peace is disturbed in any part of the State its bad effects and ramifications are felt all across. “All of us are equal stakeholder in peace and development, as such, we have to be cautious against those who attempt at creating law and order situation”, he maintained. Reminding the workers of the glorious history of National Conference and its commitment to harmony and amity along with equitable development in all the three regions of the State, the Chief Minister said that efforts are on to bring about socio-economic transformation in the State along with peace and political stability. Omar Abdullah asked the workers to disseminate the path breaking initiatives taken by the government during last three years on development and peace fronts. “Others are selling the initiatives and achievements your government has registered”, he told the workers asking them to make people aware of the historic public empowerment measures of the government including those of enactment of Public Service Guarantee Act, Panchayat Raj, Right to Information Commission, Accountability Commission and Vigilance Commission.

            “The list of our achievements is long and worth mentioning. While visiting various villages and interacting people you should apprise them of the works and projects launched by the government to upgrade basic amenities and ensure all round development in the State”, he told the workers. Omar Abdullah asked them to remain pro-active in getting public grievances noted and redressed by the administration and on political level. “Your rapport with people at grass roots should be regular and constant. Help them on all counts relating to their genuine grievances and development”, he advised the workers asking them to work jointly with the coalition partner in the government to help fulfil the aspirations of people on peace and development fronts. The Chief Minister told the workers to flag public cause above all considerations including those of personal ones. “This has been the trait of National Conference and its leadership all along. You are followers and soldiers of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. You are the torch bearers of public aspirations. You are the trustees of public faith. You are true and sincere friends of the people. You have to exhibit your public concern by being at their beck and call sidelining all personal comforts for their good”, he said asking them to largely contribute in realizing the Naya Kashmir vision envisioned by Sher-i-Kashmir. Provincial President, NC, Rattan Lal Gupta highlighted the achievements of the government and said that NC represents the aspirations of people of the State. He said the party is committed to the development, solidarity and unity of all the three regions of the State. Vice Chairman Pahari Advisory Board Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhri and MLA Aijaz Ahmad Jan were present on the occasion earlier; the Chief Minster inaugurated Power Grid Station at Chandak, involving Rs. 13.88 crores. The commissioning of this Grid Station would accrue immediate benefit to the inhabitants of Chandak, Lasana, Mandi, Loran, Haveli, Bandi, Cheechiana and adjacent areas. The 20 MVA Grid Station will also relieve the overloading of existing network of 132/33 KV Grid Stations at Rajouri and Darba. The Grid Station is on over an area of 37 kanals of land and its construction was taken up in hand in February 2011. The Chief Minister said that development of power sector has been flagged one of the most important sectors by his government. “Focused attention has been given to generate indigenous power and upgrade HT/LT system in the State”, he said adding that Jammu and Kashmir possesses greater potential for generation of hydro electricity.

            “This is the area promising economic prosperity and financial self-reliance to the State. We are concentrating on this sector with added attention and comprehensive planning”, he asserted and said that major power projects have already been started while many more are in the pipeline. He said that presently 20 power projects with over 7342 MWs capacity are under execution in the State.

            The Chief Minister also met various deputations who included those from different political parties, social organizations, traders associations and representing various areas. Omar Abdullah heard them patiently and said that the genuine demands brought to his notice by the deputations would be considered positively.

Mirwaiz visits SKIMS to see Nazir Masoodi’s Father.

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS)   Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday visited Soura Institute to enquire about the well being of father of noted broadcaster and NDTV Srinagar Correspondent Nazir Massodi. Massodi’s father is undergoing treatment for cancer in ICU. According to family sources, he has been suffering from Cancer since 2007 and was treated upon in Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai. However sensing some serious complication Masoodi was shifted to Soura Medical Institute where he was admitted in ICU. VOS management has also wished speedy recovery of Massodi.

UN credibility at stake, save it: Khan to Ban

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS) Senior Resistance Leader and National Front Chairman Mr. Nayeem Ahmad Khan has appealed UN Secretary General Ban Ki Mon who is in India to use his position and power so that New Delhi is compelled to settle the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of Kashmiri People. Nayeem Khan said that before the international institution of United Nations loses its remaining Credibility, it’s secretary General Mr. Ban Ki Mon should understand his responsibility and took serious steps so that long standing Kashmir dispute is resolved and millions of People can have a sigh of relief.

Nayeem Ahmad Khan was today addressing People at Narbal as a part of his mass contact campaign. Khan said that UN Secretary General must understand the fact that Kashmir dispute is shaking the regional Peace since decades together and till now India and Pakistan have fought as many as three full fledged wars on the same issue casting millions of human lives. According to Khan now when India and Pakistan have achieved nuclear capabilities, and as long as Kashmir Dispute is kept lingering the security of the region is in real danger.

Nayeem Ahmad Khan while talking about the human rights angle of the dispute said that UN Secretary General has a moral duty to ask India to stop gross human rights violations in Kashmir. Khan said that United Nations should now act practically in order to settle the Kashmir dispute so that it’s credibility is restored otherwise it will be accepted that Mr. Ban Ki Mon is heading an institution which has failed to deliver. He appealed Ban Ki Mon to use his position to pressurize New Delhi to accept the Himalayan facts about Kashmir dispute which it has herself took to the international institution of UN.

Gear-up for the Civic Polls: NC to workers

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS) National Conference (NC) senior leader and provincial president Ali Mohammad Dar has urged workers to prepare for the coming civic polls.

Addressing party workers of District Srinagar, at Nawa-i-Subh, the provincial president said the civic poll plays an important role in the overall development of the Srinagar city and people should not waste any time and must select honest and educated candidates so that he or she can come to their expectations of the people after the elections. The provincial president also said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is giving special emphasis on the development of Srinagar city which was ignored by opposition PDP. MLA, Zadibal, Peer Afaq Ahmad on the occasion said that workers are the real strength of the party and every worker should work for the strengthening of the party.

The MLA Zadibal also said that NC represents people of all the three regions of the state and chief minister Omar Abdullah is committed for the development of all regions and party has equal strength in all the regions of the state. Provincial Secretary Sheikh Ghulam Ahmad Saloora on the occasion said that Chief Minister is committed to make Jammu and Kashmir a model state. He said that chief minister is vigorously continuing his efforts in this direction and time is not for away, when people of the state will witness J&K a prosperous state. Saloora also urged people of the state to strengthening the mission of chief minister so that he could come up to expectations of the people. The others who spoke on the occasion includes, Former Mayer SMC, Salman Ali Sagar, vice district president Srinagar, Haji Ghulam Mohammad Dar, District secretary Mohammad Amin Rather and others.

Best solution of the Kashmir dispute lies in the

Implementation of the relevant UN resolutions: Zaffar

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS)   Salvation Movement (JKSM) and APHC leader Zaffar Akbar Bhat has said that the Kashmiri people with their unique enthusiasm and passion are determined to take their liberation movement to its logical end. Zaffar Akbar Bhat while addressing at Rambagh Balla civil lines Jamia Majid in Srinagar in a said that the roots of Kashmiris’ struggle had become so strong that it was impossible to eliminate it by brute force. He said, the best solution of the Kashmir dispute lies in the implementation of the relevant UN resolutions that granted Kashmiris the right to self-determination. He urged United Nations to take strong notice of the miseries of people by black laws imposed in Kashmir by government of India. He said that peace and stability and economic prosperity of not only Pakistan and India but the whole south Asia was hidden in the peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute. Supporting meaningful and result- oriented talks on Kashmir, the Hurriyet leader announced that the people of Kashmir were the masters of Kashmir and their own destiny. Any solution which does not fulfill Kashmiris’ wishes and aspirations will not be acceptable, he maintained.

J&K Bank RSETI Rajouri, Kupwara conduct skill development programmes

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS)   J&K Bank RSETI, Rajouri, commenced its skill development programme titled “Training for Gabha Making” for a batch 26 women participants. The programme which will run for 3 weeks was organised with the support of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) Rajouri.Zonal Head Jammu (west) R. K. Chibber inaugurated the programme which was attended by LDM Arvind Kapoor, Project Officer DRDA Hervinder Kour and Director RSETI Harjinder Singh Sason. Speaking on the occasion Zonal Head advised the women trainees to avail the opportunity and begin establishing their own ventures after completion of the training. He informed the participants that such trainings shall play a vital role to counter the growing unemployment in the state.He promised them of all possible help in case of difficulty related to credit after the completion of the training.Director RSETI assured the distinguished guests that the programme aims to help the trainees with skills and equip them to become future successful entrepreneur.Project officer, DRDA, assured full cooperation and guidance for such type of programmes in future also. Meanwhile, J&K Bank RSETI Kupwara last Saturday concluded a 10-day skill development programme on Crewel work. The programme was conducted with the support of (DRDA) Kupwara.Thirty unemployed women from the district were imparted training in crewel works.

Project Officer, DRDA Gulzar Ahmad and Director RSETI Mohammad Afzal Shah jointly distributed Certificates of Participation among the trainees.Speaking at the valedictory, Project Officer said, “The trainings have been designed to meet the requirements of trainees and enable them to start their own business and become self-reliant.”The role of RSETI’s, he said, was to upgrade and polish the skills of entrepreneurs.During the course of training, the trainees had lively interaction with General Manager, DIC, Kupwara, J&K Bank B/U Head, Kupwara and other resource persons.Earlier, Director Mohammad Afzal Shah apprised the participants about the purpose of RSETI’s.  He assured the participants of every possible help for next two years including that of credit linkage with banks.

Education Deptt announced new school timings

            

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS)   According to Director, School Education, Kashmir, all Government and Government recognized private educational institutions upto higher secondary level shall function from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. within the Municipal limits of Srinagar city and all such educational institutions in the rural areas of Kashmir Valley shall function from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. The change in timing will be effective from May 01, 2012. Any deviation in the time schedule by any of the private educational institutions shall warrant stern action.

World Veterinary Day-2012 observed in Valley

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS)   The Department of Animal Husbandry is celebrating World Veterinary Day on April 28, 2012. The aim of celebrating this day is to create awareness, to educate and to motivate people about the programmes being implemented in the animal husbandry sector. The theme of the ‘Day’ is “Antimicrobial Resistance” to highlight global concern over the use of antimicrobial in food producing animals and the important role veterinarians’ play in appropriate use of antibiotics to treat animal disease.

            The Animal Husbandry Department of the State is calling for more measures to combat antimicrobial resistance arising concern for both human and animal health, which include rigorous infection control practices and judicious selection and use of antibiotics works to reduce the spread of resistant bugs, hygienic food preparation and proper cooking of animal products will usually remove the risk of transfer of bacterial resistance from food animals to people, there should be most stringent systems for registering antimicrobials for use in animals, antibiotics important in human medicine should not be registered for use in animals, there should be national residue survey monitors for monitoring food products to ensure that residues are not present in foods and to detect the correct use of all chemicals in food animals, use of antimicrobials could also be minimized by timely dosing and vaccination of the animals. Saying, yes to de-worming and vaccination thus no to antibiotics, and veterinarians trained for the job need to be posted in Municipal Corporation, Municipal Committees and Notified Area Committees for further posting at slaughter houses, milk plants, cheese and ice cream factories.

‘Social Service-Our Responsibilities’ 

Srinagar, April 27 (VOS)   As part of its calendar of activities J&K Yateem Foundation is holding its annual day progrmme on ‘Social Service-Our Responsibilities’, at Bait-ul-Hilal Jawahar Nagar, on April 29^th Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Justice (Retd.) Bashir A. Kirmani, President, J&K State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, will be the Chief Guest.

Syed Attiquallah Bukhari, Former Chairman J&K Yateem Khana Bemina, and Dr. Bashir A. Nehvi, Professor Iqbal Institute of Culture and Philosophy, University of Kashmir, have consented to be Guest of Honour and Special Guest. The programme is aimed at creating awareness about the larger issue of welfare and rehabilitation of orphans, widows and destitute in J&K State irrespective of their caste, creed, region and religion. A PHOTO EXHIBITION on ‘Programmes, Activities, Achievements and Future Plans of JKYF shall be inaugurated by Chief Guest, Guest of Honour & Special Guest. The screening of J&K Yateem Foundation film Sang-E-Meel - An Educational Concern is also scheduled during the programme.

Besides, the resident students of Bait-ul-Hilal Jawahar Nagar shall also be felicitated for their outstanding performance in various curricular and extra-curricular activities.All the interested and well wishers of social cause have been invited to participate in the programme.  

Power shut down on April 29

            SRINAGAR, APRIL 27: According to Power Controller, Power Development Department, Kashmir in order to cut down the poplar trees situated enroute the 33 KV Habak-Ganderbal lines in close proximity, shut down of the said line shall be taken on April 29, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

            The power supply to the area fed from this line shall remain affected on the said date and time.

Agriculture Law Enforcement issued sale stop notices to defaulter dealers

                SRINAGAR, APRIL 27: In continuous drive to curb the menace if distribution of spurious pesticides, fertilizes and seeds by unscrupulous dealers amongst farming community of Valley, Law Enforcement agency Department of Agriculture Kashmir inspected various godowns of pesticide dealers and found Good Luck Pesticides, Javaid Agro Chemicals, Madina Enterprises, Gulshan Agri India, Malik Agro Chemicals, Shopian Pesticides Centre, Kashmir Farmers Agri and Horticulture Cooperative  Marketing Ltd. Batpora Shopian,  Saleh Pesticides Meminder Shopian for indulging in running their business of various pesticide and items without inclusion in license sale stop orders for such products and other materials have been issued against these eight dealers, by Enforcement Inspector Shopian.

            The samples have been drawn from the stocks of these pesticide dealers which are being sent to various notified labs of country for their analysis. In addition Irshad Ahmad Malik Bon Bazar Shopian dealing in fertilizers has been served sale stop notices for selling of Calcium Nitrate and Boron without license. Meanwhile Enforcement Inspector Budgam has issued sale stop notices to Wani Agro Chemical Budgam and Mir Pesticides Shamasabad Khansahib Budgam for indulging in sale of various pesticides without license.