Indo-Pak talks positive, encouraging: Sheikh Nazir

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): Terming foreign secretary level talks between New Delhi and Islamabad a positive development, National Conference (NC) General Secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmad has said that unresolved Kashmir issue is a political issue and can only be resolved through political initiatives.

Talking with various delegations at his residence, Sheikh Nazir said that party leadership has always favored a continuous dialogue process between India and Pakistan as it is the only possible way to resolve all outstanding issues.  

Stating that both the countries have wasted enough years in finding a solution to the Kashmir issue, Sheikh Said, “The time has come for both the neighboring countries to resolve the Kashmir issue by restoring autonomy”

The NC general secretary said that history is testimony to the fact that unresolved Kashmir issue has increased hostility between the two countries and both have fought three wars over it.      

He said that the restarting of composite dialogue has provided an opportunity to leave behind their past and foster a relationship that improves the quality of life in both countries.  

“Vested interest has played India and Pakistan against each other for decades and time has come to defeat their designs”

He also said that party leadership believes that economic development in the state cannot resolve and replace the political issues as they have to be addressed separately. He added “The party has already passed a resolution in the state assembly demanding the restoration of autonomy”, he said.

Animal Birth Control, Anti Rabies program aimed at human welfare: Maneka

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): Animal rights activist and former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi while appreciating the work being done by the Srinagar Minicipal Corporation in respect of Birth Control and inoculating anti rabies vaccines said the city needs more centres for carrying out the activity.

She stressed on the on the need of more than one ABC Centre, given the reportedly high canine population in Srinagar city.

She emphasized that ABC program is primarily a human welfare driven to reduce and eliminate rabies and at the same time containing the dog population in humane manner.

She also offered assistance in setting up of another ABC centre at SMC cattle pond Tengpora Byepass where she later paid visit after visiting Shuhama to take a stock of Dog Sterilization Program.

She was speaking during a high level meeting held at SKICC between state government officials and AWB of India.

Chief Secretary Madav Lal represented the state government officers which included Principal Secretary to government for Housing and Urban Development Department Suresh Kumar, Secretary Animal Husbandry Ashraf Bhukhari, VC Chairman SkAUST Tej Pratab, Commissioner SMC Dr G.N Qasba, Joint Commissioner Adminstration SMC, Ms Manika Ghandi (MP), Dr Genral Kharb chairman AWBI, Jasjit Purewal member of AWB

In the meeting Chief Secretary Madav lal detailed the steps taken by state government to improve upon sanitation in Srinagar and also the initiation of program at SKAUST on ABC- AR.

Chief Secretary also mentioned that the residents of Srinagar have shown concern about increasing canine population in Srinagar and the government is making all serious efforts to control and stabilize the dog population through ABC-AR program.

He also expressed the concern that the SMC has shown and has made tangible progress in garbage management and avoidance of food garbage.

Besides, General Kharb Chairman AWB stressed and offered the assistance in conducting a fresh census on stray dogs

During the course of meeting Commissioner SMC Dr G.N Qasba delivered a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the steps taken by SMC at various levels in stabilizing the canine population in the Srinagar.

PDP shocked over Peer Rafiq’s demise.

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): The Peoples’ Democratic Party has expressed deep shock and grief over the demise of revered Darvesh Peer Rafiq Sahib of South Kashmir. Peer Rafiq was hit by a speedy vehicle near Mattan Anantnag today.

Peer Rafiq, also the nephew of PDP Patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, was the known spiritual figure in the valley particularly in south Kashmir with thousands of his followers.

His body was taken in a large procession from Mattan to Aishmuqam for burial. People from all walks of life thronged the Aishmuqam residence of Peer Hassan Sahib, the father of Rafiq Sahib. Among the prominent people who visited the Mufti Mohd Sayeed and Peer Hassan Sahib include Senior PDP leaders Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Tariq Hameed Karra, Rafi Ahmed Mir, Ab Rehman Veeri and others.

A condolence meeting was held at the party headquarters here today under the chairmanship of General Secretary Mohamed Dilawar Mir, senior leaders including Mohd Ashraf Mir MLC & District president, Ab Hameed Kosheen Secretary Coordination, Aadil Jan, youth District president Jahangir Wani and others were also present on this occasion.

In a condolence massage the PDP leaders expressed their deep condolences to bereaved family and said that Rafiq Sahab had contributed in a big way for the betterment of society and his death had created a void that would be difficult to fill.
while expressing deep sorrow over the demise of Peer Rafiq Sahib, senior party leaders Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Tariq Hameed Karra, deputy speaker Mohd Sartaj Madni, Naeem Akhtar, Mohd Altaf Bukhari, Qazi Mohammed Afzal, Ab Rehman Veeri, Ab Razaq Zawoora, Mohd Khalil Bandh, Syed Bashir Ahmed , Mohd Shafi Wani, Syed Basharat Bukhari, Mansoor Hussain Ab Haq Khan and Gh Nabi Lone Hanjura had also termed it a great loss to the society.