SRINAGAR,SUNDAY,13 RABI AL SAANI 1434 AH ; 24 FEBRUARY 2013

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Snowfall hits life, highway closed

Srinagar: Fresh snowfall and rains in Jammu and Kashmir Saturday led to the closure of Srinagar-Jammu highway. The weather is expected to improve by afternoon. 

Moderate to heavy snowfall in the Pir Panjal mountain range and landslides at some places led to the closure of the highway. The road would be cleared after the weather improves, a traffic official said. 
The fresh snowfall in the Valley has affected normal life as electricity supply has been snapped while many roads in the rural areas have been blocked due to snow. 
Roads in Srinagar, which received the second major snowfall of the winter this morning, were rendered slippery and traffic was moving at a snail’s pace in most areas. 

Geelani under ‘strict house-detention, relatives concerned

Sriniagar, February 23 (KNS): Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani continues to remain under house confinement for 15^th consecutive day, with authorities in New Delhi reportedly having put additional restrictions on his communication with family and relatives.

Geelani was put under house arrest at his Delhi residence, soon after parliament attack convict Muhammad Afzal Guru was hanged at Delhi’s Tihar Jail on February 9.

Relatives and family members of the octogenarian leader have expressed concern over the restrictions imposed upon his movement and contact with outside world.

“We are deeply concerned as we have not been able to establish contact with him. Mobile phones of both Geelani Sahab and his wife are not working. Despite repeated attempts we have not been able to contact them”, said son-in-law of Geelani Muhammad Altaf Shah when contacted by KNS. He said the family members and friends are deeply anxious as nobody was accompanying the couple at their residence, except the policemen.

“Today we came to know from some sources that even a barber who had gone to the house had not been allowed entry by the police”, he added.

The relatives demanded urgent release of Geelani from the house arrest.

Pertinently, the Tehrik-e-Hurriyat leader M Ashraf Sehrai had Friday said the Hurriyat leaders had not been able to establish contact with Syed Ali Geelani. (KNS)

Handicrafts bulwark of State’s economy: Omar

‘Radio Frequency Tags for Pashmina on anvil’

            Srinagar, February 23 – Describing handicrafts bulwark of State’s economy, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Saturday said that artifacts and marvels of craftsmanship created by the artisans of Jammu and Kashmir have always earned name and fame to this part of the world.

            “Unless economic prosperity of a large chunk of population associated with handicrafts is ensured, this speciality and novelty of the State will face extinction”, he said and added that underlining this aspect his government has initiated innovative measures for the development and growth of this living heritage and the people associated with it.

            Addressing a function organized by the Directorate of Handicrafts Kashmir to distribute Modern Carpet Looms and Artisan Credit Cards to the beneficiaries at SKICC here, the Chief Minister said that financial hand holding and extension of support by way of providing tool kits to artisans is the part of the comprehensive strategy formulated for the holistic welfare and growth of handicrafts, handlooms and artisans.

            Omar Abdullah said that some unscrupulous traders have damaged the reputation of Kashmir handicrafts by indulging in manufacturing and marketing of spurious items. “I have asked the concerned to keep vigil on such activities and ensure reputation of the trade as has been its hallmark in the past”, he said and asked the artisans to play their role in stopping such elements to defame the trade. “Your workmanship is par excellence, unparalleled and of highest class in the world. You have magic in your hands and your art pieces are mesmerising”, he told the artisans and asked them to help protect any pollution in this trade assuring all help from the government for their welfare and development.

            The Chief Minister underlined the need of developing new designs and conserving the ancient and heritage ones to strengthen the marketability of the arts and crafts of the State. He said that Handicrafts Development Institute is working on this aspect and has created some innovative designs suiting market trends. He said the Institute is also working on a project to provide Radio Frequency Tags to the Pashmina shawls manufactured in the State and guarantee its purity and genuineness. He said this step would halt the attempts of unscrupulous traders to trade fake shawls. This would also help to standardize the marketing.

            Omar Abdullah said that under an innovative measure various handicrafts and the artisans in Shahr-e-Khas (Old Srinagar City) have been focused for comprehensive development under the handicrafts cluster development project which also aims at creating direct market liaison of artisans with the buyers.

            The Chief Minister said that registration of artisans and providing them Artisan Credit Cards on the pattern of Kissan Credit Cards would ensure easy flow of finance for them to strengthen their units and upgrade economy.

            In his address Minister for Industries and Commerce, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo highlighted the measures taken by the government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to address the problems of artisan. He said various schemes have already been taken in hand for the holistic development of handicrafts and artisans adding that the good results of these schemes have started appearing on ground.

            Speaking on the occasion Director Handicrafts, Kashmir, Muzaffar Ahmad said that under the directions of the Chief Minister Artisan Credit Card scheme has been formulated and launched in the State with the financial ceiling of Rs. one lakh with an interest of subvention of 10 percent to be given by the government to each beneficiary.

            He said 14,000 artisans have been sponsored to the financial institutions for obtaining easy credit on Artisan Credit Cards and enhance their economic activities. The craft persons receiving loans will simultaneously be covered under health insurance scheme for which premium will be shared by the State Government and beneficiary in 60:40 ratio respectively. The insurance cover will also extent to the spouse of the craft person.

            He said that 8,000 modern carpet looms under Mega-Carpet Cluster scheme are being distributed to the carpet weavers. Of these a target of providing 2,000 such looms to the beneficiaries was fixed for the current year. The Chief Minister distributed 500 looms in August 2012 to the carpet weavers and 1500 such looms are being distributed in today’s function thus achieving the target in full. These looms are being distributed free of cost to the deserving carpet weavers.

            As many as 20 artisans adjudged qualified for State awards received the cash awards on the occasion from the Chief Minister. The first position awards of Rs. 50000 each were given to Mohammad Maqbool Mir in Sozni, Haji Mohammad Saleh in Papier Machie, Shabnam Ali Mohammad Dar in Chain Stitch, Ghulam Ali Sheikh in Carpet, Abid Ahmad Dar in Wood Carving and Sajjad Muzaffar in Copperware.

            Second position awards of Rs. 30,000 each were given to Qaiser Jan Bandey in Sozni, Masrat Maqbool Jan in Papier Machie, Ghulam Hassan Mala in Carpet, Abdul Majid Dar in Wood Carving, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan in Kani Shawl, Mohammad Hussain Mir in Tapestry, Shivem Thakur Khajuria in Modern Art and Rajni Bala in Basholi Painting while third position awards of Rs. 20,000 each bagged by Ali Mohammad Malik and Mohammad Yousuf Shah in Sozni, Gazenffer Ali Khan and Fayaz Ahmad Khan in Papier Machie, Ghulam Mohammad Sofi in Carpet and Sarfaraz Ashraf in Wood Carving.

            The Chief Minister also presented Artisans Credit Cards and released a book titled ‘Haroof-e-Hunar Qadam-b-Qadam’ on the occasion.

Govt engages Ogilvy, Mather to advertise JKs’ Tourism

JK all year tourist destination, publicize all season’s potential globally: G. A. Mir  

Joint efforts must for tourism boom

            JAMMU, FEBRUARY 23:-With a view to showcase the rich varied tourism potential of the State through print and electronic media in and outside the Country; the government has extended one year services of advertising agency ‘Ogilvy and Mather’. In this regard the Agencys’ media plan prepared for highlighting the state’s three destinations globally was discussed at a high level meeting here today, chaired by Tourism Minister, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir.

            The Ogilvy and Mather representatives gave a power point presentation of the tourism promotional media plan and briefed the meeting about the components of different publicity campaigns to be carried out in and outside the Country to attract more tourists to the visit of Jammu and Kashmir.

            Commissioner Secretary Tourism and Culture Mr. Atul Duloo, Director Tourism Jammu, Mr. R. S. Mehta, Director Tourism Kashmir Mr. Talat Perveez, besides other senior seniors of tourism department and representative of Ogilvy and Mather attended the meeting. 

            The meeting discussed the tourism media plan of the Agency and several suggestions needed to be incorporated in the plan for wide publicity to get high end tourists, besides new initiatives taken by the State government for developing new spots and adventure, golf and eco-tourism in the State, with world class infrastructural facilities.

            The Tourism Minister underscored the need for giving wide publicity of J&K tourism potential, tourist facilities and conducive atmosphere through national and international media well before commencing of spring season. He directed concerned authorities to coordinate with the Agency for making the tourism promotional campaign a success.

            The Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir was round the year destination and underscored the need for showcasing it globally with a view to display all seasons tourism potential of the State through reputed national and international electronic and print media. He also directed that the films, advertisements should depict the all seasons potential for showcasing it in and outside the country. 

            Mr. Mir hoped that this year the State would witness a big boom of domestic and foreign tourists. He said that tourism is the mainstay of our state's economy and the government has launched a vigorous tourism promotional campaign in the country as well as in overseas countries. He said “We have visited many countries this year to publicize the States’ tourism and received positive signals from foreigners about their visit to the State”. He said that “J&K is known for its hospitality and we all should have the responsibility to provide all necessary facilities to the visiting tourists”.

            The Minister called for joint efforts for promotion of tourism in the State and urged for providing quality services and best possible hospitality to the tourists so that they can return to their home with sweet memories. He said that the boom in tourism witnessed during the last year is dividend of peace and tranquility in the State and this year too we expect 3 fold increases in the tourist influx, as the people of J&K have ensured harmony and peace despite provocations from the elements inimical to the prosperity and development of the State.

            Tourism Minister hailed the efforts of Tour and Travel Associations for promotion of tourism Industry in the State. He hoped that they would continue with endeavors to promote tourism in the State and assured them all possible assistance from the government in this regard.

Ghulam Nabi Khayal presents his latest volume to Governor

          JAMMU, FEBRUARY 23 – Mr. Ghulam Nabi Khayal, a noted writer and journalist of the State, presented to Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, a copy of his latest book in Urdu titled “Khayal Qalam”, at Raj Bhavan, here today.

          Briefing the Governor about this volume, Mr. Khayal said that “Khayal Qalam” contains research articles on Kashmir’s culture, literature, history and folklore. During the past more than five decades, Mr. Khayal has authored 28 books in Kashmiri, Urdu and English languages on varied themes.

          Observing that Mr. Khayal is among the very few, perhaps the only known author who has written in three languages, he wished him good health and continuing success in his literary pursuits.

 Rajiv Gandhi Hospital equipped with advance medicare facilities: Bhalla

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 23-Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Mr. Raman Bhalla today said that Rajiv Gandhi hospital is equipped with advance medicare facilities to tackle the increasing rush of patients and reduce number of referral cases to the Government Medical College, Government Gandhi Nagar and Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospitals.

The Minister was chairing a meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) of Rajiv Gandhi Hospital at Gangyal, here this morning.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Gurmeet Kaur, Medical Officers, Dr. Arun Gandotra, Dr. Shashi Balla besides besides other members of Rogi Kalan Samiti were present in the meeting.

Mr. Bhalla asked the hospital authorities to provide best possible medicare to the patients and maintain hygienic environment in the hospital. He said health sector was accorded priority and Government was making all out efforts to improve patient care facilities in every nook and corner of the State by opening new hospitals, sub-centers and dispensaries.

Taking review of the ongoing developmental works in the hospital, the Minister asked the Medical Superintendent to prepare the estimates for modernization of X-Ray, Ultrasound, OPD and laboratory room besides installation of street lights in and around hospital premises and submit the same for funding so that the works like floor tiles and white wash could be started under Hospital Development Fund (HDF) and RKS funding.

Mr. Bhalla said Government has approved Rs. 4.5 lakh for electric fittings in all wards, purchase of essential life saving drugs, flood lights for hospital premises, purchase of waste buckets, curtains, screens and torches besides sanitation material. He asked the hospital authorities to prepare a detailed project report of urgent nature of works in the hospital and submit the same for funding and approval.         

Regarding improving the drinking water facilities in the hospital, Mr. Bhalla said Government has earmarked Rs. 3.5 crore for digging of deep drill tube well on the identified site including laying of water supply pipes. He said work on the project is under progress on war-footing and would be completed within stipulated time frame.

The Minister asked the hospital management to install air-conditioners in newly dedicated Ultrasound room out of HDF funding so that the patient would not face inconvenience during summer. He asked the PDD to upgrade the existing installed transformers to ensure improved power supply to the hospital.

Earlier, Mr. Bhalla also laid foundation stone of various development works like upgradation of nallah near Radha Swami Satsang Ghar at Chatha by Urban Environmental Engineering Department at a cost of Rs. 5 lakh besides construction of lanes and drains at Uttam Nagar at a cost of Rs. 4 lakh. He asked the executing agencies to complete the works within stipulated time frame.    

NET and ARS examinations to be held on Feb 24

            SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 23: To facilitate the students, appearing in National Eligibility Test (NET) for Agriculture and preliminary Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Examinations being conducted at the national level on February 24, 2013 at Kashmir University Hazratbal, Srinagar admit cards containing photograph of the candidates, issued by the Council shall be treated as valid document of authorization, so that the students shall not face any problem to appear in the said examinations.

Integrated Mushroom Centre worth Rs. 43.50 lakhs will be established at Lal Mandi: Mir

Mulberry plantation drive kick started at Sericulture complex

            SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 23: Modern Agriculture Technology needs to be blended with conventional methods to enhance the quality and increase the yield to enable higher returns for the farmers.

            This was disclosed by Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir while reviewing the physical & financial achievements of Agriculture Department at a meeting of officers here today. He said that to provide High Quality Certified Seeds & Inputs to the farmers at their doorsteps, department should work in close coordination with the farmers to achieve the target of self sufficiency in agriculture production.

            He directed officers to popularize double cropping system by adopting modern techniques & using high yielding varieties of seeds. He said that plans should be formulated as per requirement of Panchayat Halqas and in this regard during ensuing Kharief Season, in every Panchayat Halqa high yielding variety of paddy demonstration will be laid. He impressed upon the officers to create awareness among farmers to use high yielding varieties of cereals & vegetables for making state self sufficient.

            Director Agriculture Kashmir, Dr. Farooq A. Lone informed the meeting that creating irrigation infrastructure during 2012-13, 5 Community Bore-Wells were set up at the cost of Rs. 86.25 lakh, 10 Bore-Wells, 184 Tube-Wells were also set up for which Rs. 20 lakh & Rs. 23 lakh, will be provided to farmers as incentive component.

            He said that under Protected Cultivation, 2369 Poly Green Houses, 517 Vermi-compost Units were established for which Rs. 2.13 Crores & Rs.1.55 Crores were provided to beneficiaries as incentive component. During ensuing Kharief Season, 12000 Quintals of Paddy, 2500 quintals of Potato, 2000 quintals of Maize & 20 quintals of hybrid Vegetable seeds & 5 quintals Open Pollinated Vegetable Seeds will be distributed among farmers, adding that Integrated Mushroom Centre will be established at the cost of Rs. 43.50 lakhs.

            Under Urban Initiative Programme, 2000 beneficiaries of Srinagar City will be brought under Kitchen Garden Scheme, for which Hybrid Vegetable Seeds, Seedlings, Vermi-compost & Tool Sets shall be provided to each beneficiary. Under National Mission on Saffron 906 hectares of existing saffron area was brought under rejuvenation/re-plantation, 63 Bore-wells at the cost of Rs. 4.60 crores were set up, besides 120 Vermi-compost Units were established for which Rs. 36 lakh as incentive component was provided to beneficiaries.

            Among others present in the meeting were Chief Engineer Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Shafat Ahmad, Managing Director Agro Industries Corporation, Mr. Abdul Majid Bhat, Joint Director Inputs, Mr. Khursheed Ah. Kasba, Joint Director Agriculture Extension, Mr. Malhotra, Chief Agriculture Officers of All districts & other officers.

            Meanwhile, the Minister today formally kick started the Mulberry Plantation drive by planting a mulberry plant at Sericulture Complex, Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar.

            Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that four lakh mulberry plants shall be provided to the farmers for plantation during ensuing plantation season while as 2.5 lakh plants shall be planted by the Sericulture department. “We have set a target to plant 6.5 lakh Mulberry Plants during 2013-14, out of which 2.5 lakh shall be planted by department of Sericulture”, the Minister said, adding the target for cocoon production for the year 2013-14 has been fixed at 3.20 lakh Kgs.

            On the occasion, the Minister was informed that 3 lakh Kgs of cocoon were produced during 2012-13 by 8500 farmers, generating revenue of Rs. 4.18 crore.

DDC Pulwama, Shopian reviews restoration measures

PULWAMA-SHOPIAN, FEBRUARY 23: The District Development Commissioner, Pulwama & District Development Commissioner, Shopian have said that snow clearance machines have been put into service to clear all the roads closed due to heavy snowfall in hilly and remote areas of the twin districts.

The District Development Commissioners called meetings of the officers of PWD, CA&PD, Municipality and PDD to discuss the measures to be taken for clearance of roads closed due to snowfall. Restoration of power supply especially essential services and availability of essential commodities at sale centres of CA&PD were also discussed.

The District Development Commissioner Pulwama, Mr. Shafat Noor Barlas said that adequate stocks of essential commodities are available in the district.

 He directed the CA&PD, Municipality authorities and Revenue officers to intensify market checkings in order to curb black marketing, hoarding an profiteering in the district.

The District Development Commissioner Shopian, Mr. Mohammad Javaid Khan said that the situation arising after heavy snowfall in all over the district Shopian is being monitored, especially in hilly and remote areas. He said the 5 snow Clarence machines have been put into service and 5 JCB’s are pressed into service for clearance of snow from roads. He said the essential roads leading to District Hospital Shopian, Shopian, Srinagar, Keller, Zainapora and Kulgam have been cleared and thrown open for plying vehicular traffic. He said that all essentials are available in adequate quantity in the district.

District Development Commissioners directed the authorities of electric department to gear up all the men and machinery to restore power supply in every nook and corner of the districts.

They also directed for healthcare facilities to be made available to the people in all District Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals and Primary Health Centres in the twin districts.

Return of Afzal’s body: Coalition partners yet to decide on resolution

Congress throws ball into CM’s court

Srinagar, Feb 23 (KNS): With the budget session of the state legislature drawing close, the coalition partners in the state government – Congress and National Conference – are yet to decide on whether to support or oppose the resolution seeking return of Muhammad Afzal Guru’s body to his family.

When contacted senior Congress leader and Medical Education Minister, Taj Mohiuddin said the congress party was yet to decide on the resolution demanding return of mortal remains of Guru.

“We (Congress) will decide on that. We are yet to decide. In my opinion, it should be (brought back)”, said Taj Mohiuddin while talking to KNS.

However, he threw the ball into the Chief Minister’s court when he suggested that the issue was to be decided between the Chief Minister and the Government of India.

“But it’s not that the party has to decide on return of the body. In fact, it is a matter falling within jurisdiction of CM and the issue pertains to CM and Government of India”, he said.

Taj appealed people of the state not to allow the atmosphere of peace to be disturbed.

“People are concerned about the hanging of Guru. But the situation is under control in Valley. People should not take any step under that would create law and order problem”, Taj told KNS when asked how he sees the prevailing situation in Valley aftermath of Guru’s hanging.

Senior NC leader and Minister, Ali Muhammad Sagar when asked whether NC is in favor of the demand seeking return of Guru’s body, he said, “NC has made its stand very clear on the issue and it has kept no space for any misgiving regarding its stand about the issue”.

When asked whether NC would support the resolution to return mortal remains if any member of the house presents it in ensuing budget session of State Legislative Assembly, “Let us see if any resolution is presented and we’ll decide”, he replied.

Sagar said the state government was putting efforts to bring the situation in the valley under control. “To bring the situation under control is in process. Government is trying to maintain law and order”, Sagar told KNS.

Pertinently, MLA from north Kashmir’s Langate constituency, Engineer Rashid had earlier said that he would present a resolution before the state assembly seeking return of parliament attack convict Muhammad Afzal Guru.  (KNS)

Kashmir a pressure cooker without safety valve: Mehbooba
'Vulture instinct of NC guiding SKIMS return to Abdullah family'

Srinagar Feb 22: Strongly condemning the mass arrest of youth and political leaders People's Democratic Party (PDP) today said the government has converted Kashmir into a pressure cooker without a safety valve. Addressing a party workers meeting of Srinagar district today the party president Mehbooba Mufti said the anger management exercise by the government has reached a new and more atrocious level with people being denied even the basic liberties of expression. "Every means of expression is virtually sealed by an insecure government that has fully collaborated in the secret execution of Mohammad Afzal Guru and is now trying to raise its stock further in Delhi for being champions of enforcing a silence through undemocratic and illegitimate methods"she said.

The meeting called to discuss the situation created by the hanging of Afzal Guru was also attended by senior leader Maulvi Iftikhar Hussein Ansari, Naeem Akhtar, district president Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Abdul Hamid Kohsheen and other senior workers.

Mehbooba said hundreds of youth have been arrested throughout the division which include scores of teenagers as well. There are many instances in which a father has been arrested and kept as a hostage for 'good behaviour of his son', she said and added the government by resorting to such draconian methods is destroying whatever was left of our democratic claims. She said large number of youth affiliated with the PDP have been detained only to cater to NC's growing sense of insecurity in the wake of continued exposure through press reports of Omar Abdullah's role in facilitating Guru's execution. "The ruling party that has exploited Kashmir sentiment for decades to play the double game for retaining power has brought the state almost to the same situation that pushed Afzal Guru to gallows in 2001 at the hands of dreaded SOG, a creation of Farooq Abdullah"she said.

She said the intolerance of the government has definitely added to the deep psychological scars created by Afzal's hush hush hanging as against more transparent and legally tenable course adopted in other similar cases from other states. "Kashmir has gone unheard yet again and the government has used the familiar tactics of dominating the scene with overwhelming security deployment and indiscriminate arrests"Mehbooba said. She regretted that the devotees were prevented even from going to the shrine of Hazrat Dastgeer saheb on his urs apart from disallowing Friday prayers.

Reiterating the party demand to return Afzal's remains to the family Mehbooba said that is the only sane option to reduce their pain of the family and the hurt sentiment of people at large. She said the government of India should not sit on prestige in a genuine and emotional issue like this which can have unpredictable consequences.

Mehbooba said while the people are still struggling to come out of the shock caused by the hanging the national conference living up to its tradition is busy in its petty schemes to serve its vested interest and that of the Abdullah family. She said the government was brazenly trying to transfer back the control of the Institute of Medical Sciences Soura to Abdullah family even though the court has upheld its takeover by the state government.

Mehbooba said the news reports about the government processing the return of the institute to the family in the backdrop of a clamour for return of Afzal Guru's remains and mass arrests exposes National Conference in its true colours. She said the party is displaying a vulture mentality to feast on miseries of the people and is behaving like the proverbial 'kafan chor'  in transferring the institute back to the family that has not contributed a single rupee into its establishment except giving it a name and ruling the roost in its management for many decades. "Even though the High Court has categorically established that Abdullah family or the so called Trust had hardly any contribution in the institute the government has used this particular painful juncture for such a massive fraud on people in the belief that while everybody is focused on a tragic event they would carry out their tricks without being detected"she said. Mehbooba added that the entire cost of construction and establishment of the institute has been borne by the government and the Abdullah family does not have a claim even on a single brick of it.

Mehbooba said the ruling family has already disposed of some prime property transferred to the institute by previous governments. That was done in a highly questionable manner and apparently for commercial purposes. She said the NC and ruling family are trying to get back the control of the institute with an eye on some more prime property transferred to it by the government for which it is reportedly in 'negotiation' with a party for a deal that was aborted previously as a result of its takeover by the government.

PC Vice Chairman G A Dar is no more

Political, religious, social leaders pay tributes

Thousands participated in Funeral prayers

Srinagar, Feb. 23 (KNS): Renowned resistance leader and Vice Chairman of Peoples Conference led by Bilal Gani Lone, Khwaja Ghulam Ahmad Dar breathe his last on Sunday after a prolonged illness at his native village Jagarpora in North Kashmir. He was 80. Thousands of people today participated in his funeral prayers at his ancestral village.

Dar had been associated with the freedom movement since long. He was among the founding members of Peoples Conference and close associate of Abdul Gani Lone. He was later appointed as Vice Chairman of Peoples Conference led by Bilal Gani Lone.

Chairman, Bilal Gani Lone and other leaders including Ghulam Nabi Waseem, Ghulam Nabi War, senior and respected citizens of the North Kashmir, social, religious and political leaders were among the other thousands of people who participated in his funeral prayers.

Terming his death as irrevocable loss to the ongoing movement, various political, Social and religious leaders have expressed condolence and solidarity with the bereaved family.

“His death is the irrevocable loss. He has been associated with Tehreek from day first. He has played an apparent role supporting Tehreek. His news of death was a shock for me and I couldn’t stop my emotions”, Bilal Lone told KNS.

In his condolence message, Sajad Gani Lone has termed the death of Dar as personal loss which created irrevocable vacuum. He has paid rich tributes to Dar.

Expressing shock and grief over the demise, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said that Dar was a dynamic, renowned and important member of the movement and his role would be remembered forever. He also paid rich tribute to the deceased. (KNS)

 CUK’s Prof (Dr.) Mehraj-ud-Din receives Kumarappa Reckless Award

Srinagar, Feb 23: Dr. Mehraj-Ud-Din Mir, Dean School of Legal Studies, Central University of Kashmir (CUK), has received the Kumarappa Reckless Award in New Delhi.

Dr. Mehraj-Ud-Din Mir was conferred the award at a glittering function organised by the India Society of Criminology, Chennai and National Law University, Delhi on February 15. As many as 300 delegates from across the country also comprising Vice-Chancellors of National Law Universities, High Court Judges, senior professors and senior police officers and Fulbright scholars attended the function. After receiving the award, Dr. Mir delivered a detailed lecture on “Crimes against Women.”

The academic fraternity of the Central University of Kashmir and University of Kashmir has congratulated Dr. Mehraj-Ud-Din Mir for receiving the prestigious award.

Kumarappa Reckless Award is the highest and prestigious award granted by the Indian Society of Criminology, Chennai to the academicians, professionals, scholars and administrators in the administration of Justice for their out-standing contribution in the field of Criminology, Criminal Law.

Dr. Mir has served in the University of Kashmir for more than 35 years. He has worked in the University in different capacities and has a vast experience in teaching and research. He has taught at LL.B and LL.M level and has produced many scholars. His main focus has been on “Criminal Justice System” and has completed a number of Major Research Projects sponsored by ICSSR and University Grants Commission, New Delhi.

Dr. Mir has a number of publications on Crime, Police, Judiciary and other related issues and has visited a number of Universities and jails in India and abroad. He has attended more than 200 Seminars/Conferences/Workshops throughout the globe and contributed research papers. Dr. Mir has been associated with the study of ‘Science of Crime’ (Criminology) right from the very beginning and has played a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of the ex-convicts. He has also contributed in the drafting of the “Jail Manual of the Jammu and Kashmir State.”

Dr. Mir is a recipient of national and international awards including the fellowship of Max Plank Institute of International Criminal Law (Germany), MOST (UNESCO), LOSOU Consultant Malaysia and ISC Fellowship.

 Mirwaiz pays tributes to Hazrat Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA)

‘Played critical role in Kashmir by spreading moral, Islamic teachings’

Srinagar, Feb 23: Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is currently under house detention, today paid glowing tributes to the Hazrat Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) on his annual Urs sharief.
He termed Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) as a great spiritual and religious leader who has always been revered and respected by the people of Kashmir and the Muslims Ummah. Mirwaiz said the prominent religious figure brought a spiritual revolution in Kashmiri by imparting Islamic teaching and bringing in reforms in the society in tandem with the Islamic principles.
The Hurriyat Chairman said that the Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) played a critical role in Kashmiri society by spreading moral and Islamic teachings. He said the sufi saint taught people about Islam, humanity, and asked them to be humane kind and be compassionate to each other.
Mirwaiz said Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) has ruled the hearts of Kashmiris since hundreds of years. He said his message of religion, love, brotherhood and humanity still finds resonance with the people. He said his teachings would hold true and would remain valid till the end of this world.
The Chairman has appealed people to strengthen the message of Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) (PBUH) by emulating it and then spreading it to other people. Mirwaiz said the mission of sufi saint would only be fulfilled when people would follow his teachings regarding Islam, Koran, and Sunnat and then implement them in their lives to create a better society.

India proved animosity against Kashmiris by hanging Afzal: Malik

“Guru’s hanging murder to collective conscience of Kashmiris”

Srinagar, Feb 23: “Indian leaders and rulers have once again proved their animosity against Kashmiris by hanging Mohammad Afzal Guru. Mohammad Afzal Guru’s judicial and political murder is actually the murder of Collective conscience of Kashmiris”, said Chairman JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik while addressing a mammoth gathering in Islamabad Pakistan.According to a front spokesman, the Jalsa which was organized by the Sabzi Mendi unit of JKLF was chaired upon by supreme head of JKLF Aman ullah khan. Besides Yasin Malik JKLF leader’s Dr. Tauqeer Geelani, Mohammad Rafiq Dar, Mohammad Saleem Haroon and many others addressed the gathering. Despite heavy rain and cold weather thousands including women and children from Kashmiri community attended the gathering, he added.“The brutal way in which Mohammad Afzal Guru was hanged by India has no parallel in today’s civilized world. India has in past also done a similar kind of crime when it hanged the father of Kashmiri nation Mohammad Maqbool Butt in the same jail”, the spokesman said quoting Malik.“Yasin said that only after 3 years from the judicial political murder of Mohammad Maqbool butt world saw that lakh’s of Maqbool’s emerging from every nook and corner of the Kashmir and followed the footsteps of Maqbool and sacrificed their lives in the way”, he added.“India should also remember that Mohammad Afzal Guru’s sacrifice will also give birth to new Afzal’s and the movement for the freedom of Jammu Kashmir will get strengthened. Martyrs Maqbool butt and Afzal Guru was murdered by India and after killing their bodies were not handed over to their people. This is another criminal act of Indians as no legal or moral law of the civilized world allows any body to refuse a person his last rites according to his religion”, the spokesman said quoting Malik.“Yasin Malik said that kashmiri demand for the mortal remains of their martyrs is thus legal, human and moral and the civilized world, human rights organizations, civil society and peace Seekers of the world must rise to the occasion and persuade Indian leadership to refrain from its tyrant inhuman and uncivilized approach in this regard. Yasin Malik said that if they fail to do so world especially the subcontinent may become a much worst place to live on”, the spokesman added.“A tyrant has no religion and his only religion is lust of power. Indian rulers killed Afzal Guru for the same lust and the day is not far away when they will have to answer for their crimes against humanity”, said Yasin Malik while congratulating the JKLF unit Sabzi Mandi Islamabad for organizing the public rally.He said it shows that Kashmiris living across the globe are one and seek independence from foreign occupation.

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SPORTS

Ind vs Aus: Tendulkar, Kohli hit fifties to take India to 182/3 at stumps on Day 2

CHENNAI: Sachin Tendulkar showed glimpses of his vintage form with a fluent unbeaten half-century as India recovered from two early jolts to leave the first Test against Australia evenly poised on Saturday. The 39-year-old veteran, who had been struggling for form for a long time, played with decisive footwork and a positive frame of mind to guide India to 182 for three in 52 overs on the second day at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, which saw local boy R Ashwin grab a career-best seven-wicket haul. Tendulkar (71 batting) and Virat Kohli (50 batting) were at the crease when stumps were drawn with India still trailing by 198 runs. The two have so far added 77 runs for the fourth wicket.Tendulkar, in the course of his 67th Test half-century, touched another milestone by surpassing 7,000 runs on home turf. Kohli, on the other hand, completed his sixth Test half-century at the fag end of the day. Resuming at the overnight score of 316/7, the Australians continued to frustrate the Indians with captain Michael Clarke (130) and the tailenders combining to score 64 more runs to take the score to a competitive 380. Ashwin, who had scalped six wickets on the opening day, claimed the wicket of last man Nathan Lyon to return with figures of 7/103, while left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja (2/71) and Harbhajan Singh (1/87) were the other wicket-takers. The Indian reply was disastrous to start with as openers Virender Sehwag (10) and Murali Vijay (2) departed in close succession, falling to tearaway pacer James Pattinson, who was used in short spells. But Cheteshwar Pujara (44) and Tendulkar steadied the innings to some extent with a 93-run third-wicket partnership. Both the batsmen launched a brilliant counter-attack to unsettle the Aussie bowlers. Tendulkar hit two glorious fours off first two balls he faced from Pattinson and clobbered another majestic boundary off the fourth ball, making his intentions clear. Just when the duo seemed to be cruising along comfortably, Pattinson provided the breakthrough when he came back for his second spell by accounting for Pujara. Pujara fell to an off-cutter in the 29th over after striking six fours in his 76-ball stay at the crease.With three days left in the game, India will look to come close to the Australian total and then push to seize the initiative. Earlier, both the openers were out bowled. Vijay was the first to go after a 15-ball stay, which included two fours, done in by Pattinson's pace. Sehwag quickly followed his partner back to the pavilion, failing to spot a slower one from Pattinson which bounced inside the crease and dislodged the bail of his leg stump. But Pujara and Tendulkar steadied the rocking boat, bringing up the team's 50 in the 13th over. The two displayed patience but at the same time kept the scoreboard ticking. They completed a half-century stand for the third wicket in 68 deliveries to rescue India from the precarious position. Tendulkar was then joined by Kohli, who had a disappointing series against England, unleashed a flurry of shots to announce his return to form. Earlier, in the morning session, Australian batsmen frustrated Indian bowlers with determined batting before being bowled out for 380 in their first innings. Resuming at 316 for 7, the visitors resisted the home attack for 38 overs and added 64 runs. They were also helped to an extent by a few decisions that went in their favour much to India's frustration. Since the last-wicket pair of James Pattinson and Nathan Lyon was at the crease at the official lunch time, the morning session was extended and at the fall of the latter, the break was taken. Indian off-spinner R Ashwin registered his career-best figures (7/103) while Ravindra Jadeja (2/71) took two wickets.Michael Clarke and Peter Siddle kept the Indian bowlers at bay for about 90 minutes before the Australian captain went for an extravagant shot off Jadeja, miscued it and gave the hosts a chance to clean up the tail. Clarke stepped out to loft Jadeja over his head for a straight six but just managed an edge that flew to the hands of Bhuvneshwar Kumar at long-off. 
Clarke's splendid 130-run captain's knock came off 246 balls with 13 boundaries including one shot over the fence. It also ended 54-run fighting stand between him Siddle (19). Soon, Harbhajan Singh's long wait to get a wicket ended when he had Siddle caught at first slip.Playing his 100th Test and going wicket-less on the opening day, it took the off-spinner the last ball of his 24th over to get his first. There was only frustration for Indian bowlers after that as the last-wicket pair of Pattinson and Lyon batted for another 12 overs. Ashwin had Lyon plumb in front of the wicket but yet again Dharamsena thought otherwise. However, four balls later, Lyon swept, found an edge and Virat Kohli took an athletic catch at backward short leg to end the Australian innings. Earlier, neither the spinners nor medium-fast bowlers could trouble the batsmen much until Clarke lost focus and tried to push the accelerator button on. The chances were far and few as Clarke and Siddle batted with determination. The nearest Clarke came close to getting out was when while coming forward his uppish defensive shot went towards silly point Cheteshwar Pujara, who could not held on to the half-chance. 

3rd Test: Pakistan lose four wickets before tea

CENTURION: Pakistan made their best start of the series but then lost three wickets in 13 balls on the second day of the third and final Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Saturday.

Pakistan were 91 for four at tea in reply to South Africa's first innings total of 409.Imran Farhat, playing his first match of the series, and Mohammad Hafeez put on 46 for the first wicket, successfully seeing off the new ball threat of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.But Pakistan were quickly back in perilous territory when Philander returned for his second spell as he and new cap Kyle Abbott took three wickets in successive overs.Abbott followed up with a second wicket when he dismissed Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq shortly before tea.Philander trapped Farhat leg before for 30 before Abbott, with his sixth ball in Test cricket, had Hafeez caught low down at gully for 18. Philander then bowled Azhar Ali for six, with the batsman edging a ball which kept low into his stumps.Misbah fell to a superb diving catch by Alviro Petersen at second slip off the tall, strongly-built Abbott.AB de Villiers earlier reached his 16th Test century - and his third against Pakistan. He went on to make 121 before being caught in the deep off left-arm opening bowler Rahat Ali, who finished with six for 127.Rahat earlier dropped a straightforward catch at fine leg when De Villiers, on 107, top-edged a pull against Mohammad Irfan, who was the most challenging of an inexperienced pace trio but ended wicketkless.Philander made a Test best score of 74 in helping De Villiers stretch their overnight partnership of 86 to 129 - a record seventh wicket stand for South Africa against Pakistan - before he was caught low down at first slip by Mohammad Hafeez off part-time bowler Younis Khan.

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NATIONAL

Got alert from Delhi before blasts: Hyderabad Police

HYDERABAD: Investigators on Saturday claimed to have got "vital clues" in the probe into the twin blasts in the city and were examining CCTV footage with the needle of suspicion zeroing in on banned militant outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM). Police also announced Rs 10 lakh award for information leading to the perpetrators of Thursday's serial blasts that left 16 dead and 117 injured. "We have already gathered vital clues in the case. We are confident we will crack the case soon," state home minister P Sabita Indra Reddy said after a high-level review meeting chaired by chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy. The modus operandi adopted by the perpetrators like ammonium nitrate and splinters-laden aluminum containers fitted to bicycles used in the blasts were similar to the attacks carried out by Indian Mujahideen. Without going into details, Hyderabad commissioner of police Anurag Sharma said, "We have some evidence, some clues". "We have footage from the camera (at the blast site) which we are analysing it," he said while refuting media reports that CCTV wires had been cut by the terrorists before their operation. He, however, admitted that out of 303 CCTVs in the city, 38 were not functioning. The police commissioner said they had received an alert from Delhi on February 15 about possible strikes in Hyderabad and three other cities. "We did not take any warning lightly". 

Asked about reports of arrests and detentions, he said, "We have not arrested anyone in this case. We are examining all types of evidences." Asked about the involvement of IM, he said the investigations were underway. "Unless we complete the process, we cannot jump to any conclusion." He said ammonium nitrate was used in the IEDs which had timers.

Bangalore is cancer capital of India

BANGALORE: Here are warning bells forBangaloreans. The fast-paced IT city has the highest incidence of cancer among Indian cities, roughly 126 cases for every lakh people.Latest figures released by the Population Based Cancer Registry put Bangalore at No.1 with 113.4 cases of cancer for every one lakh males and 139.1 cases for a lakh females every year. The average is 126.25, ahead of New Delhi (122.75) and Mumbai (104.75).The statistics were released during the Afro-Asian Conference of Transitional Research in Oncology (ACTRO), which commenced in the city on Friday. The conference brought together oncologists from Asia and Africa, to discuss the need for personalized cancer care and a repository of cancer based research in the country.Dr B Ajaikumar, chairman HCG Cancer Hospital and President of ACTRO, said the reason behind Bangalore having highest incidence of cancer could be due to fast changing lifestyle and genetic predominance He also cited high awareness and better documentation of cases as other reasons.Experts see better research and trials to support innovative treatments for cancer as the way forward. "We always follow the West. But, the fact is India has much more potential to bring about a change in treatment of cancer. Personalized medication too is a need of the hour. Also we are planning to come up with cancer registry to spread more awareness," he said.Dr Prahlad Ram, medical oncologist, MD Anderson Cancer Center, US, said, "One of the emerging challenges in oncology is the utilization of patient-specific genomic information in order to develop personalized and targeted therapeutic options based on molecular aberrations in the tumor. A second challenge facing cancer medicine is the identification of pharmacological options to overcome resistance and the repurposing of currently approved drugs for cancer therapy."There are about 30 million cancer survivors in the world today, which is expected to rise to 70 million by the end of 2050. ACTRO aims to bring together oncologists to discuss preventive care and improved treatment, to advance the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors across the country.

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