Monday, June 30, 2008
Jammu Bandh Today
Various political, social and religious organizations have called for complete Jammu bandh tomorrow in protest against the state Governor N N Vohra's decision of 'surrendering claim' over the forest land allotted to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and, what they described, 'hurting the sentiments of millions of Hindus living across the country.'
The state unit of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has given the bandh call which has been supported by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and other organizations. All the commercial and business establishments shall remain closed and the private transport would remain off the road.
However, reports from Reasi maintained that the BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal and other organizations have also called for Reasi bandh tomorrow and appealed to the people to extend whole hearted support to make it a grand success.
It may be mentioned here that various political and religious organizations today protested against the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's announcement that the state government would take over responsibility of organizing the annual Amarnath pilgrimage from the Shrine Board after Governor N N Vohra asked for same in a letter. He had further announced that the forest land in question would stay with his government for now.
Meanwhile, various political and social organizations staged protest in winter capital and burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Governor N N Vohra, PDP and separatist leaders.
After the Governor's decision to "surrender" his claim over the forest land to SASB, hundreds of VHP activists took out a massive protest rally and staged protest at busy Bikram Chowk.
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The state unit of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has given the bandh call which has been supported by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and other organizations. All the commercial and business establishments shall remain closed and the private transport would remain off the road.
However, reports from Reasi maintained that the BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal and other organizations have also called for Reasi bandh tomorrow and appealed to the people to extend whole hearted support to make it a grand success.
It may be mentioned here that various political and religious organizations today protested against the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's announcement that the state government would take over responsibility of organizing the annual Amarnath pilgrimage from the Shrine Board after Governor N N Vohra asked for same in a letter. He had further announced that the forest land in question would stay with his government for now.
Meanwhile, various political and social organizations staged protest in winter capital and burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Governor N N Vohra, PDP and separatist leaders.
After the Governor's decision to "surrender" his claim over the forest land to SASB, hundreds of VHP activists took out a massive protest rally and staged protest at busy Bikram Chowk.
To read the full article, click here....
To read the ePaper, visit: http://epaper.kashmirtimes.com
Labels: Amarnath yatra, Bikram Chowk, BJP, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, government, Hindus, jammu, jammu bandh, pilgrimage, Political, protest, rally, SASB, Vishwa Hindu Parishad
Friday, June 27, 2008
Day 3: 3 hurt in police firing, 55 in clashes
Police today fired at protest demonstrators in Kawdara in which at least three persons were injured, one of them critically, as the violent clashes between protestors and security forces for the third consecutive day today left at least 55 persons injured.
Normal life was crippled amid a complete shutdown in valley coupled with strong anti-government protest demonstrations over the transfer of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) at numerous places in Srinagar and else where.
Atleast 15,000 yatris stopped by police at Khanabal-Pahalgam road following protests at different places were allowed to move ahead to the base camps after 3 PM today. Meanwhile, reports said that the pilgrimage continued at Amarnath cave.
Meanwhile, Inspector general of police (IGP) Kashmir S M Sahai told Kashmir, “This is a rumor and in no way curfew will be imposed,” he said and added, “Police is ready to tackle any situation.” He that police is trying to talk to the senior and respectable persons in various localities so that normal situation could be restored as soon as possible.
He claimed that he has directed the law enforcing agencies to maintain restrain while dealing the protests, “We are trying our best to maintain atmost restrain although many miscreants among the mobs attack the Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) by hurling stones on them” he said and added, “It is because of the restrain that about forty personnel of police and CRPF have been injured. Even police stations and posts have been attacked,” the police official said.
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Normal life was crippled amid a complete shutdown in valley coupled with strong anti-government protest demonstrations over the transfer of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) at numerous places in Srinagar and else where.
Atleast 15,000 yatris stopped by police at Khanabal-Pahalgam road following protests at different places were allowed to move ahead to the base camps after 3 PM today. Meanwhile, reports said that the pilgrimage continued at Amarnath cave.
Meanwhile, Inspector general of police (IGP) Kashmir S M Sahai told Kashmir, “This is a rumor and in no way curfew will be imposed,” he said and added, “Police is ready to tackle any situation.” He that police is trying to talk to the senior and respectable persons in various localities so that normal situation could be restored as soon as possible.
He claimed that he has directed the law enforcing agencies to maintain restrain while dealing the protests, “We are trying our best to maintain atmost restrain although many miscreants among the mobs attack the Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) by hurling stones on them” he said and added, “It is because of the restrain that about forty personnel of police and CRPF have been injured. Even police stations and posts have been attacked,” the police official said.
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Labels: Amarnath cave, clashes, consecutive day, CRPF, injuried, Kawdara, persons, pilgrimage, police, protest demonstrators, SASB, violent, yatris
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Stray cattle-a permanent nuisance
It is not just the people of Jammu city who feel that the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has failed to rid the winter capital of stray cattle, even the traders at different wholesale fruit and vegetable markets too acuse the Corporation of having failed to act swiftly on the issue.
Stray animals including cows, buffaloes, bulls and dogs can be seen roaming in these markets and the most affected are traders and small fruit and vegetable vendors who have been running their business along the footpaths. Due to lack of pastures, cattle owners leave their animals to roam around the streets, roads and wholesale fruit and vegetable markets.
Besides this, there have been several incidents where people have been injured by stray cattle but still the Corporation has failed to take the matter seriously. There had been cases where cattle caught from one zone were released in other zones. All this proves that the issue is not being tackled seriously.
Talking to the Kashmir Times, a fruit and vegetable trader Naresh Sharma at wholesale fruit and vegetable market Narwal complained, “Despite repeated pleas to the concerned authorities, no action so far has been taken to redress the problems being faced by the trading community here. It is difficult to run business in these conditions as stray cattle have already injured large number of people and concerned authorities have not taken measures to tackle the problem.”
He further complained, “Stray cattle not only cause huge loss to fresh fruits and vegetables on daily basis but also create several problems for traders and consumers.” Interestingly, right from rounding up stray cattle, releasing them or taking them to cattle pounds, the whole process is not just expensive but impractical due to monetary and infrastructure limitations faced by the JMC authorities.
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Stray animals including cows, buffaloes, bulls and dogs can be seen roaming in these markets and the most affected are traders and small fruit and vegetable vendors who have been running their business along the footpaths. Due to lack of pastures, cattle owners leave their animals to roam around the streets, roads and wholesale fruit and vegetable markets.
Besides this, there have been several incidents where people have been injured by stray cattle but still the Corporation has failed to take the matter seriously. There had been cases where cattle caught from one zone were released in other zones. All this proves that the issue is not being tackled seriously.
Talking to the Kashmir Times, a fruit and vegetable trader Naresh Sharma at wholesale fruit and vegetable market Narwal complained, “Despite repeated pleas to the concerned authorities, no action so far has been taken to redress the problems being faced by the trading community here. It is difficult to run business in these conditions as stray cattle have already injured large number of people and concerned authorities have not taken measures to tackle the problem.”
He further complained, “Stray cattle not only cause huge loss to fresh fruits and vegetables on daily basis but also create several problems for traders and consumers.” Interestingly, right from rounding up stray cattle, releasing them or taking them to cattle pounds, the whole process is not just expensive but impractical due to monetary and infrastructure limitations faced by the JMC authorities.
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Labels: authorities, buffaloes, bulls, cow, dogs, jammu City, JMC, monetary, nuisance, permanent, problem, roaming, stray animals, Stray cattle, traders, vegetable markates
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
60 injured, six in police firing
Sixty persons were injured here and in Ganderbal in clashes between police and thousands of protest demonstrators, who took to streets against the handing over of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). They were also protesting against the killing of a youth in CRPF firing at Nowhatta last evening. Police fired directly on protest demonstrators at two places and resorted to firing in air, lobbing of smoke shells and lathi charge at other place.
Normal life was paralysed here and in Ganderbal in view of the spontaneous general strike. Amarnath yatra remained suspended from here to Baltal for more than six hours following violent clashes between demonstrators and cops at Ganderbal.
Over 10,000 vehicles were stranded on the road and were being cleared only late this evening after heavy deployment of army, para military personnel and police. Police opened Ganderbal old city here and six persons received bullet injuries. The angry protestors burnt police vehicles and ransacked government buildings.
This morning demonstrators took to streets and held demonstrations. Whatever shops and other business were open in the morning were closed immediately and the vehicular traffic movement particularly the passenger transport went off the roads. Most government offices and educational institutions and banks remained closed remained closed.
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Normal life was paralysed here and in Ganderbal in view of the spontaneous general strike. Amarnath yatra remained suspended from here to Baltal for more than six hours following violent clashes between demonstrators and cops at Ganderbal.
Over 10,000 vehicles were stranded on the road and were being cleared only late this evening after heavy deployment of army, para military personnel and police. Police opened Ganderbal old city here and six persons received bullet injuries. The angry protestors burnt police vehicles and ransacked government buildings.
This morning demonstrators took to streets and held demonstrations. Whatever shops and other business were open in the morning were closed immediately and the vehicular traffic movement particularly the passenger transport went off the roads. Most government offices and educational institutions and banks remained closed remained closed.
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Labels: Amarnath yatra, Baltal, CRPF, Ganderbal, injuried, police firing, protest, SASB, srinagar, suspended, violent, Yputh
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Malik threatens hunger strike
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik has threatened to go on hunger strike if the land transfer to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) is not cancelled with an immediate effect. While addressing media persons here after his return from 22-days visit to Pakistan, Malik appealed to the Jammuites to rise to the occasion and corner communal forces.
"It is a litmus test for Jammuites to either stand by us or get carried away by the communal propaganda spread by forces who are hell-bent to destroy our secular ethos," Malik said. The JKLF chairman said that the Front supports the joint committee of trade union leaders, lawyers, representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), traders association, transporters and prominent members of the civil society against land transfer.
Malik said that if the agitation launched by the committee failed to deliver, he would go far fast unto death. Malik is scheduled to visit Delhi in a few days to discuss the land transfer issue with civil society, intellectuals and policy makers.
Taking a dig at general secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Praveen Togadia's remarks about Kashmir, Malik said that Togadia and Bal Thackrey are ‘cowards'. "They address media persons in bolted rooms. They should keep in mind that Kashmiris have sacrificed their lives and cannot be derailed from their cause by mere bullying," Malik said.
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"It is a litmus test for Jammuites to either stand by us or get carried away by the communal propaganda spread by forces who are hell-bent to destroy our secular ethos," Malik said. The JKLF chairman said that the Front supports the joint committee of trade union leaders, lawyers, representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), traders association, transporters and prominent members of the civil society against land transfer.
Malik said that if the agitation launched by the committee failed to deliver, he would go far fast unto death. Malik is scheduled to visit Delhi in a few days to discuss the land transfer issue with civil society, intellectuals and policy makers.
Taking a dig at general secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Praveen Togadia's remarks about Kashmir, Malik said that Togadia and Bal Thackrey are ‘cowards'. "They address media persons in bolted rooms. They should keep in mind that Kashmiris have sacrificed their lives and cannot be derailed from their cause by mere bullying," Malik said.
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Labels: Delhi, hunger strike, Jammu and Kashmir, jklf, KCCI, media, Mohammad Yasin Malik, SASB, threatened, Vishwa Hindu Parishad
Monday, June 23, 2008
Art Of Denial Perspective
In Jammu and Kashmir, it doesn't take the Talibans who axed the great Bamiyan Buddha sculptures, to subject art and culture to sheer vandalism and neglect. The bureaucratic mindset and political apathy coupled with a culture of kickbacks and commissions is enough to ensure that all art forms are reduced to dust and all artists destined to doom.At least, one case is an indication of the neglect of art. The reluctance of the state government, despite the inter est evinced by the chief minister, in ensuring that an artistic marvel created recently by an artisan of the Valley is retained in the state, has robbed Jammu and Kashmir of the grandeur of ‘The Lonely Tree' which may soon finds its place in a museum in New York.
The Lonely Tree is a master-piece in walnut wood, a replica of the artist's childhood memory of a Quince apple tree, which has become extinct. The entire tree with the branches, leaves, apples, birds and butterflies took no less than three years to complete. (The name ‘Lonely Tree' was given to it by Aijaz Rashid who has made a 14-minute documentary on the artist-cum master craftsman and his apple tree). The tree is carved out from a single piece of walnut tree trunk.
For its creator Khazir Mohd Qasba, who plays like a genius with his memory of an apple tree at Telbal in such minute detail, this was no ordinary task. He spent many a sleepless night. Besides, severe economic crunch forced him to abandon his dream project several times.
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Labels: art, Bamiyan Buddha sculptures, creator Khazir Mohd Qasba, denial perspective, Jammu and Kashmir, Lonely Tree, Museum, New York, Quince apple tree, Talibans
Friday, June 20, 2008
Why Abdullah preferred Kashmir's accession to India?
Omar Abdullah is the only politician of Jammu and Kashmir state who has started using Blog to communicate with computer savvy generation on his political views. Judging from the response and comments in the press, he seems to have used his knowledge of modern technology to score a propaganda point over his political rivals. His youth may be an asset in as much as he need not share prejudices of the older generation. But that may also handicap him in knowing facts about the political movement in Kashmir before and after independence or make him dependent on less reliable secondary sources.
Referring to the criticism against the decision of his grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah to accede to the Indian Union in 1947 rather than to Pakistan or opt for independence, he asks, "looking at the present state of Pakistan and accession of the state with it, how can the critics argue against that decision." About the option of independence, he says, "ask the Tibetans about how it is to survive as an independent country. Let us ask Afghanistan what it is like to be mountainous land locked country in the region with precious little natural wealth." He concludes, " it is all very well to dream and based those dreams on theoretical models. But we had a cold war, we had two blocks and two choices-India and Pakistan."
The critics have cited the case of a number of countries in the world which are land locked and independent, the entire debate on the subject is hypothetical. For Sheikh Abdullah and the people of Kashmir had absolutely no choice in 1947 but to accede to India.
It was a time when Maharaja of the state was aspiring for independence and he was supported by Hindu and Muslim leadership of Jammu region. He was also in touch with the government of Pakistan on the issue. It supported the right of the rulers of the princely states to decide the future of their states to join either of the two dominions or to remain independent.
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Referring to the criticism against the decision of his grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah to accede to the Indian Union in 1947 rather than to Pakistan or opt for independence, he asks, "looking at the present state of Pakistan and accession of the state with it, how can the critics argue against that decision." About the option of independence, he says, "ask the Tibetans about how it is to survive as an independent country. Let us ask Afghanistan what it is like to be mountainous land locked country in the region with precious little natural wealth." He concludes, " it is all very well to dream and based those dreams on theoretical models. But we had a cold war, we had two blocks and two choices-India and Pakistan."
The critics have cited the case of a number of countries in the world which are land locked and independent, the entire debate on the subject is hypothetical. For Sheikh Abdullah and the people of Kashmir had absolutely no choice in 1947 but to accede to India.
It was a time when Maharaja of the state was aspiring for independence and he was supported by Hindu and Muslim leadership of Jammu region. He was also in touch with the government of Pakistan on the issue. It supported the right of the rulers of the princely states to decide the future of their states to join either of the two dominions or to remain independent.
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Labels: asset, blog, computer savvy, criticism, Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, pakistan, politician, views
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Over 6,000 pilgrims move ahead of schedule
While the Amarnath yatra formally commenced today with more than 9000 pilgrims leaving the Nunwan base camp towards the cave, reportedly 6339 yatris had already started their march from Chandanwari onwards on Tuesday itself.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the authorities to ensure incident-free yatra. The CRPF, police and BSF are guarding entire Pahalgam up till Chandanwari (the last place till vehicular movement), contingents of Army are guarding the hilltops surrounding Chandanwari and places en route to cave.
The first batch of devo tees comprising of 1700 women, 600 children and 65 sadhus had the ‘darshan' of the naturally formed ice lingam in the cave late Tuesday, the sources said.
The chants of ‘Bum bum Bholey' rented the air as devotees left the base camps towards the cave shrine, protected by a three-tier security ring.
Kashmir Times learnt from the official sources that another 6,335 pilgrims preferred shortest Baltal route in Ganderbal to reach the cave.
Another 2,560 devotees started onward journey to the 3,380 metre high cave from Nunwan base camp along the 46-km traditional Pahalgam route, official sources confirmed.
Meanwhile a batch of 2,837 pilgrims which has begun the yatra from Jammu reached Baltal and Nunwan base camps on Tuesday evening. This batch of yatris left for the holy cave today.
The yatris included 1,846 men, 778 women, 174 children and 67 sadhus – left in 59 buses and 29 light carriers from the newly-constructed Amarnath Yatri Bhawan at Bhagwati Nagar area.
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Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the authorities to ensure incident-free yatra. The CRPF, police and BSF are guarding entire Pahalgam up till Chandanwari (the last place till vehicular movement), contingents of Army are guarding the hilltops surrounding Chandanwari and places en route to cave.
The first batch of devo tees comprising of 1700 women, 600 children and 65 sadhus had the ‘darshan' of the naturally formed ice lingam in the cave late Tuesday, the sources said.
The chants of ‘Bum bum Bholey' rented the air as devotees left the base camps towards the cave shrine, protected by a three-tier security ring.
Kashmir Times learnt from the official sources that another 6,335 pilgrims preferred shortest Baltal route in Ganderbal to reach the cave.
Another 2,560 devotees started onward journey to the 3,380 metre high cave from Nunwan base camp along the 46-km traditional Pahalgam route, official sources confirmed.
Meanwhile a batch of 2,837 pilgrims which has begun the yatra from Jammu reached Baltal and Nunwan base camps on Tuesday evening. This batch of yatris left for the holy cave today.
The yatris included 1,846 men, 778 women, 174 children and 67 sadhus – left in 59 buses and 29 light carriers from the newly-constructed Amarnath Yatri Bhawan at Bhagwati Nagar area.
To read the full article, click here...
To read the ePaper, visit: http://epaper.kashmirtimes.com
Labels: Amarnath yatra, Amarnath Yatri Bhawan, Army, base camps, Bhagwati Nagar, BSF, Chandanwari, CRPF, devotees, ice lingam, yatris
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Indian jailed for exporting banned US military goods to India
An Indian American business man was sentenced to 35 months in jail and slapped a USD 60,000 fine by a US court for shipping restricted military technology to Indian government entities engaged in missiles and fighter jet production and space programme.
Parthasarathy Sudarshan, 47, CEO of Cirrus Electronics, will serve about 20 months because he has been in federal prison since his arrest in March 2007, US District Court Judge Ricardo Urbina ruled.
Sudarshan was convicted of acquiring electrical components with applications in missile guidance and firing systems in the US and supplying them to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the Bharat Dynamics Ltd between 2002 and 2006, according to court documents.
He was also accused of acquiring microprocessors for the Tejas, a fighter jet under development in India.
The judge said that Sudarshan broke the law and risked putting nuclear weapon technology into the wrong hands.
"This didn't happen one time. It hap pened time after time after time," Urbina said.
Sudarshan was originally charged with 15 counts of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Arms Export Control Act as well as acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government. He pleaded guilty to one charge in March and the other allegations were dropped.
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Parthasarathy Sudarshan, 47, CEO of Cirrus Electronics, will serve about 20 months because he has been in federal prison since his arrest in March 2007, US District Court Judge Ricardo Urbina ruled.
Sudarshan was convicted of acquiring electrical components with applications in missile guidance and firing systems in the US and supplying them to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the Bharat Dynamics Ltd between 2002 and 2006, according to court documents.
He was also accused of acquiring microprocessors for the Tejas, a fighter jet under development in India.
The judge said that Sudarshan broke the law and risked putting nuclear weapon technology into the wrong hands.
"This didn't happen one time. It hap pened time after time after time," Urbina said.
Sudarshan was originally charged with 15 counts of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Arms Export Control Act as well as acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government. He pleaded guilty to one charge in March and the other allegations were dropped.
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Labels: banned, Cirrus Electonics, export, india, Indian government, Indian jailed, military technology, missiles, NRI, Parthasarathy Sudarshan, US, US military goods
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Lawyer-politicians' inanities' saga
Deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig belongs to the much envied select category of legal luminaries who made it to the number two slot in the ruling hierarchy of Kashmir politics. Mirza Afzal Beg and Devi Das Thakur have been Beig's illustrious predecessors whose professional acumen in the legal field, like Beig's, more than matched their political prominence. On the other hand, their co-professionals, Khawaja Shamsud-Din, GM Sadiq, Syed Mir Qasim and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who made it right to the top of the political ladder, have hardly anything to show as legal practitioners. Yet another comparable category includes the likes of Abdul Ghani Lone and Pyare Lal Handoo. Lone's political prominence eclipsed his concurrent lawyer's profile while Handoo's unbrilliance in politics did not do justice to his professional capabilities.
Mirza Afzal Beg and DD Thakur shared a common trait. They got so used to basking in the reflected glory of the ‘sun' above them that they never aspired –or dared-to be the sun. That more or less seems to be the case with Muzaffar Beig also-so far. Having some experience of direct interaction with Beg and Thakur and with indirect knowledge about Beig, I have noticed another trait common to their style of working. At some critical moment, the lawyer in them gets the better of their political judgment and clouds their minds, often at their own expense. All the three have been victims of this shortcoming from time to time.
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Mirza Afzal Beg and DD Thakur shared a common trait. They got so used to basking in the reflected glory of the ‘sun' above them that they never aspired –or dared-to be the sun. That more or less seems to be the case with Muzaffar Beig also-so far. Having some experience of direct interaction with Beg and Thakur and with indirect knowledge about Beig, I have noticed another trait common to their style of working. At some critical moment, the lawyer in them gets the better of their political judgment and clouds their minds, often at their own expense. All the three have been victims of this shortcoming from time to time.
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Labels: - Lawyer-politicians, Deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig, inanities saga, judgment, political ladder, victims
Monday, June 16, 2008
Howzzat! Rani Mukherji takes cricketing lessons
After playing an angel in ‘Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic', actress Rani Mukerji is all set to do another unconventional role - she plays a cricketer in Yash Raj Films' next venture and is busy practising on the field!
‘I don't know if any actress has played a cricketer before. But I'm playing one for sure. In fact, I've been learning cricket regularly on the field for the past two months. I can most certainly play the game convincingly now, though not as good as professionals yet. It's a very big challenge for me,' Rani told reporters from her swanky new home here.
So is she equipped to join the Indian Premier League now (IPL) now?
‘I don't know about that.But I'm definitely enjoying it. My practical sessions are on in full swing.
' She will also for the first time be paired opposite Shahid Kapur in the film that will be directed by debutant Anurag Singh.
Rani says she is hungry for new roles. ‘At this stage of my career I feel I need new challenges. When Kunal Kohli offered me an angel's role, I was kicked. I don't now of any actress who has played an angel before.
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‘I don't know if any actress has played a cricketer before. But I'm playing one for sure. In fact, I've been learning cricket regularly on the field for the past two months. I can most certainly play the game convincingly now, though not as good as professionals yet. It's a very big challenge for me,' Rani told reporters from her swanky new home here.
So is she equipped to join the Indian Premier League now (IPL) now?
‘I don't know about that.But I'm definitely enjoying it. My practical sessions are on in full swing.
' She will also for the first time be paired opposite Shahid Kapur in the film that will be directed by debutant Anurag Singh.
Rani says she is hungry for new roles. ‘At this stage of my career I feel I need new challenges. When Kunal Kohli offered me an angel's role, I was kicked. I don't now of any actress who has played an angel before.
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Labels: Angel, Bollywood actress, bollywood star, cricketing lessons, IPL, Kunal Kohli, Rani Mukherji, Shahid Kapoor, Yash Raj Films
Friday, June 13, 2008
United Jehad Council warns against State Amarnath Shrine Board's designs
United Jehad Council (UJC) chairman and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM)supermo, Syed Salah-uDin has strongly condemned the transfer of land to State Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and termed it as a big conspiracy against people of Kashmir by the coalition government .
In a statement to a local news agency CNS, chairman UJC has appealed political, religious and social organizations besides people of the state to launch massive agitation against the conspiracy by the coalition government.
Spokesman of UJC, Syed Sadaqat Hussain quoting Salah-u-din has said that the Shrine Board Act 2000 section 16 (D) states that a piece of land around the Board could be included in the Board but the word ‘piece of land around' has not been elaborated and clarified.
The UJC chief expressed fears that the entire Pahalgam area would be brought under SASB and the "transfer of 800 kanals of land was first step towards it". He said that it was a big concern for people of Kashmir that their fertile lands, forests and health resorts were being transformed into military colonies.
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In a statement to a local news agency CNS, chairman UJC has appealed political, religious and social organizations besides people of the state to launch massive agitation against the conspiracy by the coalition government.
Spokesman of UJC, Syed Sadaqat Hussain quoting Salah-u-din has said that the Shrine Board Act 2000 section 16 (D) states that a piece of land around the Board could be included in the Board but the word ‘piece of land around' has not been elaborated and clarified.
The UJC chief expressed fears that the entire Pahalgam area would be brought under SASB and the "transfer of 800 kanals of land was first step towards it". He said that it was a big concern for people of Kashmir that their fertile lands, forests and health resorts were being transformed into military colonies.
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Labels: Coalition, fertile lands, forests, government, homelss people, military colonies, Political, religious, SASB's designs, UJC, warns
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Life paralysed, talks deadlocked
The deadlock between state government and striking transporters over the issue of hike in fares continued after the failure of two rounds of talks at Civil Secretariat Srinagar today.
Reports said that after the failure of their talks with the team of senior bureaucrats appointed by the government to hold parleys, the striking transporters decided to continue their strike. The transporters also decided to boycott the next round of meeting scheduled to be held tomorrow morning.
Talking to the Kashmir Times, Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association (JKTWA) T S Wazir informed, "There is no headway in the ongoing stalemate between state government officials and striking transporters. After the first round of talks, we were demanding 20 percent hike in passenger fares but the state government refused to concede our demand. Government is pressing for 11 to 12 percent hike in passenger fares which is not acceptable to us. Transporters have decided to continue their ongoing indefinite strike and they will boycott the next round of talks to be held tomorrow morning."
He further informed that the striking transporters will chalk out their future strategy tomorrow and if government does not concede their demand, they will extend their strike.
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Reports said that after the failure of their talks with the team of senior bureaucrats appointed by the government to hold parleys, the striking transporters decided to continue their strike. The transporters also decided to boycott the next round of meeting scheduled to be held tomorrow morning.
Talking to the Kashmir Times, Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association (JKTWA) T S Wazir informed, "There is no headway in the ongoing stalemate between state government officials and striking transporters. After the first round of talks, we were demanding 20 percent hike in passenger fares but the state government refused to concede our demand. Government is pressing for 11 to 12 percent hike in passenger fares which is not acceptable to us. Transporters have decided to continue their ongoing indefinite strike and they will boycott the next round of talks to be held tomorrow morning."
He further informed that the striking transporters will chalk out their future strategy tomorrow and if government does not concede their demand, they will extend their strike.
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Labels: boycott, Civil Secretariat, deadlocked, failure, hike, Jammu and Kashmir, JKTWA, Life paralysed, passeger fares, petrol prices, srinagar, strike, striking transporters, talks
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Sinha's last official engagement tomorrow
With the clearance of name of former home secretary and center's interlocutor on Kashmir N.N. Vohra as 12th Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Centre has virtually put a stop on the future official engagements of Governor Lt.Gen. (Rtd.) S.K. Sinha.
Sources said that a function being organised by the army in district Reasi on Thursday is likely to be Sinha's last appointment as the state governor in Jammu and Kashmir. "Governor's schedule remains uninterrupted and engagements continue untill the new governor assumes office," said an official of the Raj Bhawan.
It has also been learnt that a few days back on the sidelights of a party held after a golf match at Srinagar, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad along with former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah turned it almost into a farewell to the outgoing governor. An official who attended the party said that high profile dignitaries, who spoke on the occasion recalled his services and wished him good luck for his future.
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Sources said that a function being organised by the army in district Reasi on Thursday is likely to be Sinha's last appointment as the state governor in Jammu and Kashmir. "Governor's schedule remains uninterrupted and engagements continue untill the new governor assumes office," said an official of the Raj Bhawan.
It has also been learnt that a few days back on the sidelights of a party held after a golf match at Srinagar, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad along with former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah turned it almost into a farewell to the outgoing governor. An official who attended the party said that high profile dignitaries, who spoke on the occasion recalled his services and wished him good luck for his future.
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Labels: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jammu and Kashmir, N.N. Vohra, new Jammu and Kashmir Governor, official engagement tomorrow, Raj Bhawan, S.K. Sinha
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Kapoor is new Chief Secretary
The state cabinet today elevated S S Kapoor, financial commissioner home as the new chief secretary of the state.
The post of chief secretary was lying vacant after the resignation of BR Kundal and his subsequent induction into the cabinet. This was Kundal's first cabinet meeting. The meeting also ordered promotions in police department and some transfers in police and civil administration.
Official sources said the cabinet also approved the transfer of commissioner civil military liaison M. K. Mohanty and his posting as transport commissioner vice. P. S. Gill. Mohanty shall continue to hold the charge of commissioner civil military liaison in addition to his own duties till further orders. Gill has been posted as director general youth services and sports.
The post has been upgraded and declared equivalent in status and responsibility to the post of DGP.
The cabinet also approved the posting of Tanveer Jahan as secretary to government cooperative department and posting of Ravi Thusoo as secretary to government animal and sheep husbandry department. They were secretaries in the agriculture and labour departments respectively.
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The post of chief secretary was lying vacant after the resignation of BR Kundal and his subsequent induction into the cabinet. This was Kundal's first cabinet meeting. The meeting also ordered promotions in police department and some transfers in police and civil administration.
Official sources said the cabinet also approved the transfer of commissioner civil military liaison M. K. Mohanty and his posting as transport commissioner vice. P. S. Gill. Mohanty shall continue to hold the charge of commissioner civil military liaison in addition to his own duties till further orders. Gill has been posted as director general youth services and sports.
The post has been upgraded and declared equivalent in status and responsibility to the post of DGP.
The cabinet also approved the posting of Tanveer Jahan as secretary to government cooperative department and posting of Ravi Thusoo as secretary to government animal and sheep husbandry department. They were secretaries in the agriculture and labour departments respectively.
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Labels: cabinet meeting, civil administration, DGP, kashmir, new Chief Secretary, Reshuffle, resignation, S S Kapoor
Monday, June 9, 2008
Pahalgam becomes hot spot in Valley with 2,000 visitors, tourists a day
Large number of tourists including foreign visitors are visiting Pahalgam, one of the popular tourist destinations in the valley as the tourist season here is at its peak.
The upsurge in number of tourists to the destination has especially increased the business of hoteliers manifold.
The tourist officer at Pahalgam told Kashmir Times that at least 19,000 domestic and foreign tourists have visited Pahalgam and its adjoining destinations including Chandanwari, Aroo and Kashmir valley during past one week.
"The tourists are visiting this place in large numbers. It is hoped that during this month, the turn out of visitors would increase further as this is the peak season for tourists. Chandanwari, Aroo, Kashmir valley and Dooban are the main attraction for tourists. On an average day, more than 2000 tourists visit Pahalgam and adjoining suburbs," said the tourist officer.
It was learnt that the turn-out of few leading hoteliers during past two weeks has touched about Rs one crore.
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The upsurge in number of tourists to the destination has especially increased the business of hoteliers manifold.
The tourist officer at Pahalgam told Kashmir Times that at least 19,000 domestic and foreign tourists have visited Pahalgam and its adjoining destinations including Chandanwari, Aroo and Kashmir valley during past one week.
"The tourists are visiting this place in large numbers. It is hoped that during this month, the turn out of visitors would increase further as this is the peak season for tourists. Chandanwari, Aroo, Kashmir valley and Dooban are the main attraction for tourists. On an average day, more than 2000 tourists visit Pahalgam and adjoining suburbs," said the tourist officer.
It was learnt that the turn-out of few leading hoteliers during past two weeks has touched about Rs one crore.
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Labels: Aroo, Chandanwari, Dooban, foreign tourists, hot spot, Kashmir Valley, Pahalgam, srinagar, tourists, Valley, visitors
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Banning Blackberry retrograde: Jairam
Union minister Jairam Ramesh today said that banning the Blackberry services for e-mails was a retrograde step by the government and observed that these services should be allowed in J & K as well by putting the security concerns aside. Jairam also said that the government of Jammu and Kashmir needs to start the egovernance as soon as possible so that the expenditure on Darbar move can be reduced to zero.
Jairam Ramesh addressed a joint press conference with Dr Haseeb A Drabu Chairman J&K Bank and S Ramadorai, CEO and MD of TCS here at J&K Bank Headquarters wherein media was briefed about the visit of top TCS management team to the state. J&K Bank and TATA Consultancy Services (TCS), Asia's largest IT company also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to work together to create an IT blue-print for the bank. The two companies will also work together to create a blueprint for an enabling technology framework for the state of J&K in order to speed up economic development and help develop industry and commerce in the state.
Jairam expressed his surprise as to why the Blackberry services can not be allowed in this age of technology in the places like Jammu & Kashmir and northeast "though it is banned in rest of the country also."
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Jairam Ramesh addressed a joint press conference with Dr Haseeb A Drabu Chairman J&K Bank and S Ramadorai, CEO and MD of TCS here at J&K Bank Headquarters wherein media was briefed about the visit of top TCS management team to the state. J&K Bank and TATA Consultancy Services (TCS), Asia's largest IT company also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to work together to create an IT blue-print for the bank. The two companies will also work together to create a blueprint for an enabling technology framework for the state of J&K in order to speed up economic development and help develop industry and commerce in the state.
Jairam expressed his surprise as to why the Blackberry services can not be allowed in this age of technology in the places like Jammu & Kashmir and northeast "though it is banned in rest of the country also."
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Labels: ban, Blackberry services, IT Companies, TCS, Union minister Jairam Ramesh
Friday, June 6, 2008
Shivaji statue proposal welcomed by Mumbaikars
The state government's decision to install a 300-feet statue of Shivaji in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai has been largely welcomed by residents and political parties alike.
Lauding the Democratic Front government's move, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state general secretary Vinod Tawde said that the decision had come late, ‘but better late than never to honour the memory of the great leader Chhatrapati Shivaji'.
‘However, merely installing the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji is not enough. The government must also follow the ideals of the revered hero of Maharashtra and India and act for the upliftment of the poor, downtrodden, the farmers and other deprived sections of society,' Tawde said.
Shiv Sena leader Subhash Desai, welcoming the move, wondered why the government took four years to select the statue site.
‘It was part of the Congress manifesto four years ago, but now with state and general elections round the corner they are rushing ahead with it. If they think they can fool the people of the state, they are mistaken,' Desai said.
Tina Films International associate producer Ramya Iyer said that the statue will give a much-needed ‘face' to Mumbai.
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Lauding the Democratic Front government's move, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state general secretary Vinod Tawde said that the decision had come late, ‘but better late than never to honour the memory of the great leader Chhatrapati Shivaji'.
‘However, merely installing the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji is not enough. The government must also follow the ideals of the revered hero of Maharashtra and India and act for the upliftment of the poor, downtrodden, the farmers and other deprived sections of society,' Tawde said.
Shiv Sena leader Subhash Desai, welcoming the move, wondered why the government took four years to select the statue site.
‘It was part of the Congress manifesto four years ago, but now with state and general elections round the corner they are rushing ahead with it. If they think they can fool the people of the state, they are mistaken,' Desai said.
Tina Films International associate producer Ramya Iyer said that the statue will give a much-needed ‘face' to Mumbai.
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Labels: Arabian Sea, BJP, BSE, great leader Chhatrapati Shivaji, Mumbai, Mumbaikars, political parties, producer Ramya Iyer, Shivaji statue
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Kashmir: a call for new realism?
The moderate faction of Kashmir's pro freedom political amalgam, Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has renewed its call for ‘realism' to seek solution to the longstanding Kashmir problem that was once regarded as ‘nuclear flashpoint', but has since been relegated to the sidelines as India and Pakistan embarked upon a historic ‘peace process' that started after Pakistan's then military ruler and now beleaguered President, General Musharraf agreed to roll back his country's policy of supporting Jehad in Kashmir.
Since 2004, both the countries have undergone impressive changes in their bilateral relations as the Pakistani President made a comprehensive policy shift towards India by dismantling Jehadi networks as well as killing or arresting hundreds of Pakistani nationals who had links with various Jehadi groups. In addition, Pakistan signed an anti-terror pact with India that includes sharing information about terrorism. As a result, Pakistan's premier intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) that once sustained the Jehadi networks in Kashmir is sharing information with their Indian counter parts that has virtually wiped off the militant resistance in Jammu and Kashmir. During the last five months alone, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), the biggest Kashmiri resistance outfit, lost scores of its top ranking commanders in pin-point operations of the Indian Army and paramilitary operations. Ever since India Pakistan ‘peace process', Hizbul Mujahideen that was opposed to the exercise between the two countries has been the main target of both the countries. During the last four years, the HM has lost more than half of its operational cadre that threatens to ultimately wipe its whole resistance cadre.
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Since 2004, both the countries have undergone impressive changes in their bilateral relations as the Pakistani President made a comprehensive policy shift towards India by dismantling Jehadi networks as well as killing or arresting hundreds of Pakistani nationals who had links with various Jehadi groups. In addition, Pakistan signed an anti-terror pact with India that includes sharing information about terrorism. As a result, Pakistan's premier intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) that once sustained the Jehadi networks in Kashmir is sharing information with their Indian counter parts that has virtually wiped off the militant resistance in Jammu and Kashmir. During the last five months alone, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), the biggest Kashmiri resistance outfit, lost scores of its top ranking commanders in pin-point operations of the Indian Army and paramilitary operations. Ever since India Pakistan ‘peace process', Hizbul Mujahideen that was opposed to the exercise between the two countries has been the main target of both the countries. During the last four years, the HM has lost more than half of its operational cadre that threatens to ultimately wipe its whole resistance cadre.
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Labels: biggest Kashmiri resistance, india, Indian Army, ISI, Jammu and Kashmir, Jehad, nuclear flashpoint, pakistan, peace process, Pervez Musharraf
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Vohra to be new Jammu and Kashmir Governor
The Centre has finally zeroed in on former bureaucrat N. N Vohra to replace Gen (retd) S K Sinha's as next governor of Jammu and Kashmir, PMO sources here said on Tuesday. Sinha is completing his term on Wednesday.
Vohra who is the Prime Minister's special envoy on Kashmir, had emerged as the front runner with supporters both within the Congress party and the top bureaucracy. In 2003, then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had appointed him as interlocutor for Kashmir to clear way for talks with separatist Hurriyat leadership. A year later when Congress party assumed office, Manmohan Singh government continued him as interlocutor rejecting his resignation.
As a member of the Indian Administrative Service (1959-94), he has served as Secretary Defence Production, Home Secretary and Defence Secretary. He was recalled to serve as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in 1997-98.
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Vohra who is the Prime Minister's special envoy on Kashmir, had emerged as the front runner with supporters both within the Congress party and the top bureaucracy. In 2003, then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had appointed him as interlocutor for Kashmir to clear way for talks with separatist Hurriyat leadership. A year later when Congress party assumed office, Manmohan Singh government continued him as interlocutor rejecting his resignation.
As a member of the Indian Administrative Service (1959-94), he has served as Secretary Defence Production, Home Secretary and Defence Secretary. He was recalled to serve as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in 1997-98.
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Labels: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Jammu and Kashmir, Manmohan Singh, new Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Secretary Defence Production
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Job festival in Valley brings promise of work for 1000 youth
At a time when the state youth is feeling under frustration of employment problem, CT group of Institute, a Punjab based educational society held a mega job festival in collaboration with Kashmir University in the campus today with a promise to provide about 1000 jobs to thousands of job aspirants in the valley.
For the first time in the valley a two-day Mega Job Festival -2008 commenced from today in the Kashmir University with more than 15 Indian multi-national companies participating in the event. The group has promised to provide about 1000 jobs in different multinational companies in sales and marketing, insurance, information technology, banking, business processes, manufacturing and education.
The 15 corporate giants including, Wipro Technologies, Convergys, Nokia, Dell ICICI Prudential, Bajaj Allianz, Accenture and Reliance would be recruiting youth offering them "lucrative" packages. The festival would be open for two days to graduates and post-graduates in different streams including MBA, MCA, BTech, BBA, BCA and other polytechnic diploma holders.
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For the first time in the valley a two-day Mega Job Festival -2008 commenced from today in the Kashmir University with more than 15 Indian multi-national companies participating in the event. The group has promised to provide about 1000 jobs in different multinational companies in sales and marketing, insurance, information technology, banking, business processes, manufacturing and education.
The 15 corporate giants including, Wipro Technologies, Convergys, Nokia, Dell ICICI Prudential, Bajaj Allianz, Accenture and Reliance would be recruiting youth offering them "lucrative" packages. The festival would be open for two days to graduates and post-graduates in different streams including MBA, MCA, BTech, BBA, BCA and other polytechnic diploma holders.
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Labels: Accenture, Bajaj Allianz, education, graduates, ICICI Prudential, Kashmir University, Mega Job Festival 2008, post-graduates, recruiting youth, Reliance, Wipro Technologies
Monday, June 2, 2008
Protests, shutdown in Kupwara against torture
The residents of Bumhama today held a strong protest demonstration against police and special operation group (SOG) for arrest and torture of four youth including two brothers.
Police had arrested the civilians during the wee hours of Tuesday after reportedly a militant was killed in the village in a brief gun fight.
Kupwara township also observed a complete shutdown in protest against what locals alleged atrocities by police on civilians.However, after intensified protests against police, the youth were released after two days.
One of the released youth, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, who is undergoing treatment at sub district hospital (SDH), Kupwara is stated to be in a critical condition. 30-year old, Fayaz bore the torture marks on his body and doctors attending on him said that he was under constant observation as his condition was critical.
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Police had arrested the civilians during the wee hours of Tuesday after reportedly a militant was killed in the village in a brief gun fight.
Kupwara township also observed a complete shutdown in protest against what locals alleged atrocities by police on civilians.However, after intensified protests against police, the youth were released after two days.
One of the released youth, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, who is undergoing treatment at sub district hospital (SDH), Kupwara is stated to be in a critical condition. 30-year old, Fayaz bore the torture marks on his body and doctors attending on him said that he was under constant observation as his condition was critical.
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Labels: arrest, demonstration, Kupwara, protest, special operation group, sub district hospital, torture, Youth
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