Saturday 11 August 2012


THEDAILY
VOICE OF SRINAGAR
SRINAGAR, SATURDAY, 22 RAMDHAN 1433 AH ; 11 AUGUST 2012
Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com
NEWS

Tarigami stresses for involvement of locals for promotion of tourism in the area
            SRINAGAR, AUGUST 10- The Committee on Environment (EC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly headed by its Chairman Mr. M.  Y. Tarigami today concluded 3-day extensive tour of various areas of Gurez Sub-Division.
            The Committee with its members Mr. Javeed Mustafa Mir and Mr. Charanjeet Singh observed that tourism potential of Gurez can be exploited which will boost the economic condition of the people of the Sub-Division and tourism promotion be managed and operated through public participation which will directly benefit the local community.
            On the way to Gurez, the Committee members visited Rajdhan Top and inspected new tourist way-site amenity and was satisfied with the work of tourism department and asked the Director Tourism that locals be encouraged to run these amenities so that they will get directly benefited from the tourism activities in the area.
            The Committee also met a local delegation at Tourist Reception Centre, Gurez to discuss various developmental and tourism related issues.
            The locals briefed the Committee that Yousuf Shah Chack was resident of Dardistan and he married to Habba Khatoon (Zone) of Pampore and they visited the Gurez after their marriage and stayed near a mountain which was named as Habba Khatoon Peak.
            The locals demanded that Gurez should be promoted as an eco-tourism destination and there is a huge scope of adventure tourism in the area. The resident showed utter concern about the road condition which connects Gurez to Bandipora and rest of the state and demanded a tunnel be constructed from Dawar to Gurez which was also pleaded by the local MLA of Gurez.
            The tunnel will act as an alternative route and minimize the human losses due to accidents. The local residents also showed their displeasure about the communication system of the area and during winter months they remained cut-off as no communication facility is available during winter.
            The people appreciated the role of Army as they are the only hope left with the people of the Gurez whenever any problem arises and Army supported them wholeheartedly but stressed that Army frisking be minimized so that the free flow of tourists from different parts of the world coming to the area is ensured.
            The delegation also demanded jobs in Dam projects particularly KGHEP. The Committee sought detailed information from the concerned that how many local residents of Gurez are employed in the project both skilled and unskilled.
            The people requested the Committee to take up the matter of providing Air Service and increasing its frequency with the government so that in case of emergency they must avail facility quickly.
            Director Tourism Kashmir Mr. Talat Parvez also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the activities taken by the department for the benefit of local communities of Gurez.
            On the occasion, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Hakak also briefed the Committee about the developmental activities of Gurez. Mr. Tarigami directed the SDM to ensure adequate facilities of Gas Cylinders to the consumers of Gurez.

J&K KVIB Officer gets award for his excellent contribution
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 10- Rashtriya Kissan Sangathan, a farmers Association presented awards to Dr. Amarjit Singh, Mr. Ravinder Singh and Mr. B.R. Chauhan for their excellent contribution towards the upliftment of the poor people in rural areas, expansion of Khadi and Village Industries Units in remote areas and creating more employment avenues for unemployed youth of this State. These awards were conferred to them at a significant function held here.
On the occasion, Chief Editor, Punjab Kesari Mr. Vijay Chopra was the Chief Guest, While Minister for health and Family Welfare Punjab Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal was special guest of honour. Minister of Haryana, Mr. K.R.  Puniya, and M.P. Mr. Arvind Sharma were the guest of honour.
Speaking to the gathering, Secretary and Chief executive Officer of Khadi and Village Industries Board(KVIB), J&K, Mr. Ravinder Singh Said that last year, the J&K State received number one position in the country for implementing the Prime Minister’s Employment generation programme(PMEGP) in the State. He said that the Board is continuously making its efforts to provide more employment opportunities to the unemployed youth in the State particularly in far-flung and remote areas and added that in this connection already a number of initiatives have been taken by the Board. He said that Rs. 25 lakh is maximum cost limit for project under manufacturing sectors and Rs. 10 lakh under business sector. He said the maximum limit of subsidiary is 35%.
CEO and Managing Editor, News bee Network, Mr. B.R. Chauhan said that the Ministry of Micro Small and medium enterprises has launched credit linked central sponsored scheme, PMEGP to empower entrepreneurs for setting up their micro enterprises. He urged the people to come forward and adopt this scheme.
            Dr. Amarjit Singh from Virgina, USA said that Khadi Village Industries Commission is doing a wonderful service to the society. He said Khadi as component a Swadeshi was important to Gandhi ji as symbol of employment.

Measures taken for reduction of bird activities around airport for safety of flights
            SRINAGAR, AUGUST 10: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon held a meeting in connection with safety of airlines, in respect of apprehensions of bird-hit, due to extensive bird activities in the vicinity of the air fields.
            The meeting was attended by Air Officer Commanding Srinagar, Air Commodore, D. Choudhury, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Shafat Noor Barlas, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Srinagar, Dr. G.N. Qasba, Additional District Development Commissioner Srinagar, Budgam, Mohammed Akbar Ganai, Officiating Airport Director S.K. Chindalia, Health Officer Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr. Rubeena Shaheen, Dy. S.P AHJ Srinagar Airport and other senior officers. 
            Divisional Commissioner ordered for scientific disposal of garbage around airports, as well as taking standard precautionary measures in order to reduce the bird activities for the safety of the flights.

Soz, local congress leaders hatching conspiracy to dislodge Omar: NC
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS):
 Reacting Sharply to State Congress president Prof. Saif u din Soz’s statement where he had said he succeeded in preventing revocation of the controversial AFSPA, the National Conference Friday said that he (Soz) along with some other local congress leaders was hatching a conspiracy to dislodge Omar Abdullah government to form a new political alliance in the state.
“Soz wants to create such a hostile atmosphere within the coalition which would eventually force NC to leave the coalition”, Additional General Secretary of the ruling
National Conference Dr. Mustafa Kamal told
 VOS on Friday. He, however, added that his party won’t give Soz a chance to ‘rejoice’ by pulling out of the coalition.
“He (Soz) has been the darling of Mufti Mohamad Sayeed and they are the two faces of the same coin”, said the firebrand NC leader, adding that putting such a view point on AFSPA in public domain indicates that Congress wants to use the army for their own purposes.
“When the new army chief himself says AFSPA could be partially revoked and the Chief Minster having made it clear that the controversial law has to go, how could Soz made such a senseless statement”, asked Kamal.  He said such statements make it clear ‘who does and who doesn’t care for the people of the state’.
Kamal made it clear that National Conference will not heed to such statements and would continue to press for the revocation of the controversial law from the trouble hit state. “AFSPA was only to curtail militancy in the state and now when there is improvement in the situation, we can’t afford to continue with such laws”, asserted Kamal, adding that it wasn’t a political issue but purely of administrative nature and
Soz had no authority to oppose it.
“Believe me he is no more a good baby for congress high command, but they don’t have any material here in the state, so are helpless but to continue with him”, Kamal said.
Accusing the state congress chief of ‘dancing on Mufti’s Tunes’, Dr. Kamal
said, “Every one out here knows that Mufti got nurtured in Soz’s lap, and this is an ages old friendship”.
 He added that Chief Minster Omar Abdulah was committed to bring relief to the public but it was now for the people to judge for themselves as to who their well wisher is and who isn’t.
He accused Saif u din Soz of trying to play with the sentiments of the people of the state for meager ‘ political’ interests. “Soz sahib wants to keep the unrest continuing until AFSPA is actually revoked from the state.” He however maintained that Omar Abdullah government would now like to take up issues directly with the Congress high command. “We feel it now better to bypass the local congress and discuss the sensitive issues directly with congress high command”, Kamal said.
He urged the congress high command not to take Soz and other local congress leaders ‘seriously’ and continue strengthening the Omar Abdullah government.
OIC should take notice of HR violations: Mirwaiz
Criticizes continued detention of Geelani, ors
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS): Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has hailed the recent statement of OIC general secretary Ikmaldin Ahsanoglu where he has said that Kashmir dispute figures on the OIC agenda.
“OIC should take serious notice of gross human rights violation in Kashmir which includes continuous detention of leaders, condition of prisoners and violent incidents to put pressure on India in this regard”, Mirwaiz said in a statement.
Mirwaiz was speaking while addressing a large gathering on the eve of martyrdom anniversary of fourth Caliph, Hazrat Ali (RA) at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
He also threw light on the various facets of the life of Hazrat Ali (RA) and said he spent his entire life defending and spreading the message of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He said that his life would inspire Muslim generations till the last Day of Judgment.
APHC Chairman expressed serious concern over the killing of Muslims in Burma and Assam. He termed the incidents as crimes against humanity and said the entire Muslim Ummah was sad over these affairs.
“Muslims in the entire world were getting blessed in this month of Ramzaan while the killings of Muslims in Burma and Assam were cause of concern for the Ummah”, he said while ppealing OIC to take serious notice of the genocide of Muslims in Burma and put pressure on the country to stop it. He said APHC welcomes the OIC meet in Makkah Mozma in this regard.
Criticizing the continuous house detention of elderly political leader Syed Ali Geelani and many others, he said authorities have imposed curbs on their religious activities barring them from even offering Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramzaan.  “As Mirwaiz of Kashmir I ask government to lift the curbs on leaders”, he said adding terror and fear cannot suppress the Kashmiri aspiration for freedom.
Mirwaiz announced that upcoming Jumait-ul-vida should be observed as youm-e-Qadoos and Youm-e-Kashmir on both sides of the LOC. He said on this a day large congregations would be organized at Khanqahs, Masjids and Imam baras and a resolution will be passed before lakhs of Kashmiris at Jamia Masjid on the occasion. He said this resolution would be later sent to the UN and OIC so that they can take into consideration the Kashmiri aspirations and emotions.
APHC Chairman termed August 15 as black day and said a general strike should be observed on this day.
Mewanhile senior hurriyat leader Professor Abdul Gani Bhat addressed a gathering at Jamia Masjid Chrar-e-Sharief. He said that it was imperative to include Kashmiris in any dialogue process so that it becomes result oriented. He said that talks should not be formality, but they should strive for solving the Kashmir issue. Prof Bhat said the days of stubbornness are over and can’t lead to any solution of the issue.
Meanwhile Hurriyat leaders Moulana Abbas Ansari addressed congregation at a mosque at Chattabal, Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi at Imam bara Budgam, Masroor Abbas Ansari, Ghulam Nabi Zaki,Syed basher Andrabi, Hakim Abdul Rashid at Aarizal  ,Abdul Rashid Untoo, Abdul majeed Wani, Ghulam Hassan mir,  and senior hurriyat leader Mukhtar Ahmad Waza  at other places.

Geelani  stopped from offering Friday prayers : Hurriyat
Accuses Govt of interfering in religious affairs
Srinagar, Aug. 10 (VOS) :
 Barely two days after the Police issued a statement saying there were no restrictions on Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s movement and he was a ‘ free man’, authorities on Monday did not reportedly allow him to offer Friday prayers in the local Mosque at Hyderpora and lodged him at the police post.
Spokesperson for Geelani’s faction of Hurriyat Conference Ayaz Akbar who himself was detained at Humhama police post told VOS, that the octogenarian leader intended to offer Friday prayers in local masjid and was on his way to mosque when police stopped him mid way and took him to the Humhama police post.
“Geelani sahib and I were walking on foot to masjid when police intercepted us and brought us here”,  Akbar told VOS from Humhama police post over phone, adding that the governemnt was afraid of with Geelani’s popularity and had no guts to face him politically.
“We had no political programme this Friday. He (Geelani) just wanted to offer prayers, but they did not allow even this”, claimed the spokesperson. Castigating govt. for the action, the Hurriayt (G) spokesperson said that the govt. was interfering in the religious activities of Geelani which was unfortunate and condemnable.” This is the worst kind of sate terrorism where you don’t allow people  even to offer the Friday prayers during the holly month of Ramadan”, added Ayaz Akbar.(VOS)
Mirwaiz under house detention
Shah, Mir, Waza arrested
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS): Valley’s head priest and Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was today put under house arrest soon after returning from the historic Jamia Masjid after offering prayers.
“Soon after returning from Jamia Masjid, police told the Mirwaiz that he has been put under house arrest and put restrictions on his movement”, a Hurriyat spokesman told VOS over phone. The Mirwaiz had earlier addressed a large congregation at the Jamia Masjid, after which authorities put him under house arrest, he added.
The arrests and house detentions are aimed to prevent any trouble on the eve of the 4th anniversary of Late Sheikh Abdul Aziz on August 11, a senior police officer told VOS.
Meanwhile, Hurriyat leaders Shabir Ahmad Shah, Javed Ahmad Mir and other accomplices were arrested by police at Kemwa Kulgam today when they were proceeding to address a gathering at Main Chowk Kulgam after Firday prayers, said Sources.
People’s Leage Chairman Mukhtar Ahmad Waza was Thrurdasy arrested by a police from his residence at Kadipora Anantnag.
Various separatist leaders and organizations have condemned the arrest and house detonations of the leaders, calling them an infringement into the fundamental and religious rights of these individuals.

Stop accepting RTI fees in the shape of IPOs: RTI activists
“IPO money goes into central government kitty”
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS): Activists of Right to Information (RTI) movement of Kashmir have lodged strong protest against acceptance of fees in the shape of Indian Postal Orders (IPOs) for providing information under the J&K RTI Act, the money according to them does not go into the state’s treasury.
According to activists, fees collected in shape of Non Judicial stamp papers , cash against GR, DD, treasury receipts goes into the state treasury but fees charged on account of Indian Postal Orders (IPO’s) does not go into the state treasury but into the central government kitty.
In a statement Convener of J&K RTI Movement Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat has criticized the Government for incorporating such a procedure of charging RTI fees from the applicants and has demanded that such process should be immediately stopped.
“ There are thousands of people who have paid and are paying RTI application fees @ Rs 50 and additional fees (for photocopying etc)  in shape of Indian Postal Orders (IPO’s) from 2009 till date ,  but unfortunately not a single penny has gone into the J&K Government’s account , and we treat this as a gross mistake, illogical & illegal act  and the people at the helm of affairs who ordered for having  such a provision of collecting fees in shape of IPO under J&K RTI Rules 2010  should be held responsible for this and punished and this process should be stopped immediately “ said Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat
“If people make minor mistakes the Government makes lot of hue and cry but what about the Government officers who have committed such a grave mistake by allowing charging of RTI fees in shape of Postal Orders whose income goes to Central Government instead of J&K Government” said Junaid Andrabi another RTI activist from Kapran Shopian
RTI Movement has appealed Chief Minister to personally intervene into this matter and requested him to get a circular issued so that this provision is deleted from the J&K RTI Rules 2010.
RTI Activists have also appealed him of slashing RTI application fees from Rs 50 to Rs 10 which is charged by Govt of India and most of the State Governments. 

Former police officer shot dead at Batamaloo  
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS): Unknown gunmen today shot dead a retired police officer at Batamaloo, while he was coming out of Masjid after offering Friday prayers, police said in a statement.
The deceased, a retired Dy. SP namely Abdul Hamid Bhat, a resident of Moominabad, Batamaloo was shot at by unknown gunmen, killing him on the spot, it added.
Police has registered a case in this regard and investigation has been started.

Drug peddlers held in Kupwara
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS): Two drug peddlers were today arrested after charas was recovered from them in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, said a police statement.
Kupwara police apprehended Ghulam Mohammad Lone son of Habibullah resident of Reddi Chokibal at Bazaar Trehgam, Kupwara  alongwith 40 grams of cannabis. On the instance of the accused one more peddler Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar son of Abdul Rehman resident of Mandian Chogal, Handwara was also nabbed alongwith 110 grams of cannabis, added the statement.
A case FIR No. 48/2012 under section 8/20 NDPS Act. has been  registered in this regard, said police sources.  

India has opened number of fronts against Kashmiris: Khan
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS): Appealing people to uphold the cultural principals and values, senior resistance leader and National Front Chairman. Nayeem Ahmad Khan has said that India is using cultural aggression as a weapon against the ongoing freedom movement.
“Why should we adopt a culture which is unknown to us when we have our own ways of living which are heavenly”, asked Khan.
He was addressing a gathering of people at Batamalo on Friday. He said Kashmiris are fighting their war of freedom on so many fronts because India has opened a number of fronts against the people of Kashmir including the cultural front. Appealing people he said, “we must show steadfastness in nourishing our heavenly culture so that the designs of New Delhi are defeated and the chains of slavery are cut”.
Khan remembered the Martyrs saying that the ongoing freedom struggle has become so precious and costly only because of the sacrifices rendered by the people.
Khan also remembered Shaheed-e-Azeemat Sheikh Abdul Aziz on his 4th anniversary. He said, “Shaheed-e-Azeemat Sheikh Abdul Aziz has proved that not only common Kashmiris but Leaders are also ready for any kind of sacrifice for the cause of freedom”.
Nayeem Ahmad Khan said that India on one hand is preparing itself to celebrate its Independence Day and on the other it is curbing every freedom of Kashmiri people. He appealed people to observe 15th August as a black day so as to show their anger against continuous illegal occupation of India over Jammu and Kashmir.

Yateem Foundation organizes seminar at Shopian
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS): The Jammu and Kashmir Yateem Foundation today organized a seminar on the theme "our responsibilities towards orphans, widows and destitute" at Governemnt Higher Secondary School Kapran Shopian.
The speakers stressed upon the cross section of society to play responsible role for the welfare and rehabilitation of orphans, widows and destitute. The speakers called for formulating concerted, planned and organized strategy for mitigating the sufferings of deserving and needy in the community.
Among others who spoke on the occasion includes Sheikh Wali Mohammad
(Media Cell J&K Yateem Foundation), Ghulam Nabi Shah (District Representative),
Abdul Ahad Lone (Retitred DFO), Professor Dr. Kousar Muzamil, Syed Nazir Ahmad Indrabi besides students namely Adnan Hussain, Baby Jan and Saima Kousar.
A film on activities & achievements of Foundation was screened on the occasion. Iftaari was also served to the participants. Rafeeq Ahmad, J&K Yateem Foundation volunteer conducted the proceedings.

KU launches PG Diploma in Disaster Management
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS): Department of Geography and Regional Development, University of Kashmir, is launching a job oriented and multidisciplinary course titled ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management’ (PGDDM) from the academic session September, 2012, said a university spokesperson.
The experiences of recent major disasters and the frequent occurrence of extreme events around the world in general and within this geographic zone in particular, have made it amply clear that a holistic approach to Disaster Management is much needed and awaited, “therefore the University of Kashmir, realising this need of the hour and in order to play an effective role for putting in place an efficient Disaster Management mechanism  in this ecologically fragile mountainous  region has taken an academic initiative by introducing a Post Graduate Diploma program in Disaster Management at its Department of Geography and Regional Development.” Said Prof Mohammad Sultan Bhat  Head of the post graduate department of geography and regional development.
This job oriented program is being offered with cooperation and expected exchange program with institutes of national and international repute, he said .
Prof Bhat further said  that  the  Department of Geography and Regional Development, University of Kashmir is a DST-FIST sponsored and UGC-SAP assisted department having the privilege of figuring amongst the selected few geography departments of the country to receive such prestigious sponsorships. The department has adequate human and material resources in terms of trained faculty and advanced instrumentation to run this course and provide necessary training to generate useful trained manpower, he added.
Head of the department informed  that by  offering multidisciplinary expertise, the program would provide comprehensive knowledge to students on various disasters (natural and man-induced), including disaster preparedness, mitigation and rehabilitation. It would enable them to carry out risk and vulnerability analysis at different spatial scales and incorporate the usage of advanced tools and techniques in disaster management. Prof Bhat further said  that the  program would generate mechanism for interagency/institutional collaboration for efficient disaster management system.
In view of the employability of this program, it is pertinent to mention that Govt. of India on recommendation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) intends to create District Disaster Management Authorities all over India.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is expected to have 22 District Disaster Management Authorities in near future. Besides, almost all the other State Govt. Departments are supposed to create individual Disaster Management cells. The creation of District Disaster Management Authorities in all the districts and Disaster Management Cells in other departments would generate immense employment opportunities to the pass out students of this course.

AFSPA being a temporary law could be revoked anytime: Soz
‘Certain sections of media misquoted me’
Srinagar, August 10 (VOS): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress
Committee Chief and former Union minister Saifuddin Soz has said “in
view of improved security situation, the Armed Forces Special Powers
Act (AFSPA) has outlived its utility” and he is in favour of its
revocation. However, he reiterated that he was in favour of wider
consultation before moving forward on this account.
While speaking to VOS, Soz said certain sections of media have
misrepresented his views, which he had given on the sidelines of a
function at Jammu on Thursday. “While replying to questions of media
persons, I had referred to my lack of knowledge regarding
consultations with different stakeholders last year by the government
with reference to revocation or partial revocation of the act”, Soz
told VOS over phone.
He said his views have all along been that AFSPA is a temporary law
which could be revoked anytime. However, he was in favour of wider
consultations before revocation of the law.
Since the situation is improving, the act needs a review, he maintained.
“I had spoken to newsmen about my lack of knowledge about any
consultations between different agencies of the government and
political parties the previous year, which was misrepresented by some
media persons”, Soz said.
I had all along been of the view that relevant quarters should be
taken into confidence before any move ahead on the revocation of the
Act, he added.


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