Shelter to Homeless Non-State Subjects Aimed at Diluting State Subject Law: KCSDS

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Kashmir based civil society group, KCSDS, Friday termed a government order regarding shelter for “urban homeless” in Jammu and Kupwara under NULM for the year 2015-2016 as “confusing and deceitful”.

KCSDS has come across a copy of the Revised Minutes dated 8/1/2016 of the Project Sanctioning Committee constituted for finalization of shelter for urban homeless in Kupwara and Jammu, a statement issued by the group said this evening.

“The minutes further said Commissioner Housing and Urban Development pressed for the construction of similar facilities in other districts like Srinagar, Samba, Budgam, Reasi and Kathua also in the near future,” the statement claimed. “while analysing the minutes, KCSDS found these very confusing and deceitful.”

“In one sentence, it states that this component will focus on providing shelter to people who are living either on roadside or under flyovers or in the homes of their relatives. In another sentence it states the occupants will not be necessarily state subjects and that the facility so created shall be transitory,” the statement said.

“First of all, let us make it very clear that it is a common knowledge that there are no homeless persons in our state. Even the poorest have a shelter in Kashmir. To that extent the attempt is to transplant a city like Delhi in Kupwara to begin with. Homeless persons are a feature of industrialized cities rather than broadly agricultural societies like ours. Viewed this way, the project is yet another attempt to drill a hole in the state subject law of the state under the garb of so-called humanitarian concern. In reality, it is part of the state machinations to settle outsiders in the state of J&K to change its demographics,” the statement alleged.

“NULM project does not apply to J&K in the first place as the situation of homeless people does not exist here; secondly, the state cannot provide this facility to outsiders precisely because state subject law does not permit it. The project is, therefore, a masquerade for diluting the state subject law by settling outside labour force, stray visitors and others in the state. The minutes are full of prevarications to deceive Kashmiris into believing that it is  purely a harmless humanitarian project meant to serve ‘imaginary homeless  citizens of the  state’ but actually meant to stab them in the back. This project and the scheme under which it comes is inapplicable to J&K for the condition is not there; thirdly, it is totally in violation of the state subject law hence unacceptable to the people of Kashmir,” the statement further said.

It is pertinent to mention here that the state subject law was brought in by late Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 in response to the pundits’ demand who feared of being outnumbered and outsmarted by outsiders.

“KCSDS demands from the state government immediate withdrawal of such proposal/rescind such a proposal brought out by bureaucracy in league with the swindling government or face valley wide fierce public agitation,” it said.

from Kashmir Life http://ift.tt/249CZyh
via IFTTThttp://ift.tt/1iGhVXj

PDP’s Para calls for Holistic Approach to Solve Issues of Kashmir Youth

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth president, Waheed ur Rehman Para, on Friday called for holistic approach to solve the issues of youth of Jammu and Kashmir.

He was on an extensive tour of Pulwama and Shopian in south Kashmir today.

Para, while interacting with young from ten villages of these twin districts, expressed satisfaction over functioning of Government headed by Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti, and said, “the government was working on a right track and is committed to address the governance and administrative deficit in the state.”

“Various reformative measures taken by government to streamline functioning of the system are worth appreciable and we hope things will start changing on the ground very soon,” Para said, while interacting with people.

He assured people that all the developmental projects promised by the party would be carried out in time bound manner, statement issued by PDP Youth wing said.

“Youth of Kashmir have a lot of expectations from the present government and the PDP would ensure to address their every issue in a time bound manner,” he said, “the government will take serious efforts to channelize the positive energies of youth for the development of the state and its institutions.”

He called upon the youth to come forward with their issues and suggestions for strengthening of the institutions, governance, social justice, security and upliftment of the downtrodden.

While interacting with sports enthusiasts in Chandgam village of Pulwama, Para assured the youth of all the developmental projects with regard to sports infrastructure.

He assured that infrastructure would be provided to them so that the young sports enthusiasts from valley can compete at the international level.

from Kashmir Life http://ift.tt/24pjBtN
via IFTTThttp://ift.tt/1iGhVXj

Darbar Closes in Jammu

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The Civil Secretariat was closed Friday in the winter capital of Jammu and will open in Srinagar on May 9.

Officials in the secretariat said that all the offices have been closed for six months and the hundreds of truck-loads of official files will be transported to Srinagar in the week.

The Civil Secretariat houses the offices of chief minister, council of ministers, chief Secretary and top bureaucrats. All these offices will start functioning in Srinagar from May 9 for next six months.

In view of the Darbar move, main roads, and Budshah Bride in the Srinagar city were being pained, and cleaned from the last few days.

Meanwhile, the Assembly secretariat is also gearing up for making preparations for the upcoming Budget Session.

An official in the Assembly secretariat told KNS that though the session has not been officially named as Budget Session, but the budget will be passed and discussed. The official said that the session will be conducted for a month. He said that the legislators have started sending questions for the concerned ministers.

He said that the schedule calendar for the Budget session will be released after May 11 whence the offices open in Srianagar.

This is for the second time that the Budget session will be held in Srinagar. Because for delay in government formation between PDP and BJP, the budget could not be conducted in Jammu. And the governor administration had passed vote on account for three quarters of the financial year.

The official said that in1996 the budget session was held in Srinagar. (KNS)

from Kashmir Life http://ift.tt/26AK75m
via IFTTThttp://ift.tt/1iGhVXj

Tourism in Jammu Prime Focus of Mehbooba Mufti

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Allaying fears amongst certain sections of society about Jammu losing focus due to direct train services to holy Katra town, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, Friday promised to take effective steps in positioning the winter capital as an independent tourist destination.

She said there is no dearth of nature destinations in Jammu and once dovetailed with its treasure trove of heritage sites, it will attract a huge footfall of tourists in the coming days.

The Chief Minister said this while addressing a large gathering of people on the banks of river Chenab after inaugurating a Tourist Complex here this afternoon.

Besides the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal K. Singh, Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi, Vice Chairman, Kissan Advisory Board, Daljit Singh, Legislators, Rajeev Sharma and Ramesh Arora, Secretary Tourism, Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Farooq A. Shah and Director Tourism, Jammu, R. K. Verma, were also present on the occasion.

Drawing the attention of the people towards her plan to develop Jammu as an independent travel destination, Mehbooba Mufti, who also holds the charge of Tourism Department, assuaged feelings of certain sections, especially businessmen and traders, who think Jammu may lose focus with better connectivity to Katra town.  For this, she said government will strategize and diversify its activities for which a comprehensive plan will be drawn up soon. “An international consultant will soon inspect Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and chalk out a strategy so that we restore it to its pristine glory. Similarly, we will remove bottlenecks in Jammu Ropeway Project, which will provide a huge fillip to tourism sector in the winter capital,” she said, adding J&K will have to take a leaf out of Rajasthan in how to conserve our heritage and culture assets.

Walking down memory lane, Mehbooba Mufti said she studied at Jammu but never got an opportunity to visit the place. “On my first visit last week, I was simply riveted by the grandeur and majestic beauty of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. We cannot allow it to be used as a parking place,” she said, adding Tourism and Culture Departments together will identify the potential sites for tourism promotion.

Emphasizing upon infrastructure upgrade, the Chief Minister specifically mentioned Ranjit Sagar Dam in Basoli, Jammu Ropeway at Bahu Fort, Akhnoor Fort, Mughal Sarais in Rajouri, Patnitop, Surinsar, Mansar, Jai in Bhaderwah, Warwan in Kishtwar and Mantalai in Udhampur where all ongoing projects will be fast-tracked. This, she said will position Jammu as an emerging destination for inbound as well travelers from abroad.

Referring to her recent visit to border areas of Suchetgarh and Baba Chamliyal, Mehbooba Mufti said Jammu can emulate Wagah’s success in border tourism. She said she will take up with Centre the issue of starting a march-past on our side which can become a major attraction for tourists. “I hope fresh thaw between India and Pakistan will enable us to promote border tourism on a larger scale,” she added.

On developing Akhnoor as a cultural and heritage centre, the Chief Minister suggested landscaping the scattered patches around the Chenab riverfront by planting exotic flowers so that the place becomes attractive for travelers. She also asked Secretary Tourism to highlight the heritage value of Jia Potha and Ambaran, in Akhnoor, so that art and culture aficionados make a beeline for the place.

“Devise weekend packages so that this place becomes a source of attraction for tourists, including Shiv Khori-bound pilgrims who travel on the stretch in large numbers,” she said, while directing Tourism Department to provide add-on facilities like water-sports for the amusement of the travelers.

In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister credited the vision of former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, in promoting Jammu as a major travel destination. He said despite his ill health, Mufti Sahab travelled far and wide to places like Ranjit Sagar Dam, Patnitop, Mubarak Mandi, Jai, Baghliar with the single objective of showcasing Jammu on the tourism map of the state.

MoS Tourism Priya Sethi also spoke on the occasion.

Constructed at a cost of Rs.4.34 crore, the Tourist Complex is laced with all modern facilities like suites, banquet hall and restaurants.

Earlier, the Chief Minister went around the complex and saw the facilities that have been created for the visiting tourists.

Jia Potha has heritage significance as it is known as a coronation place for Maharaja Hari Singh. It also has some remnants of Buddhist scriptures, which can be a huge attraction for heritage lovers.

Attractive walkways have also been constructed towards the riverfront so that tourists are provided with recreational facilities.

from Kashmir Life http://ift.tt/1SyKWpl
via IFTTThttp://ift.tt/1iGhVXj

Geelani Trashes Macharia Kamau’s Statement, Calls it Ambiguous

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Syed Ali Geelani

Terming the statement on Kashmir by the Head of the UN Peace Building Commission Macharia Kamau as ambiguous and unclear, Chairperson Hurriyat Conference (g) Syed Ali Geelani Friday said that respecting the wishes and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people is more important than the political and local situations in the dialogue process of India and Pakistan and ignoring of their views will be the murder of justice, a party statement issued here said.

The octogenarian leader said that instead of finding any solution in context of the local, domestic and political environment between India and Pakistan, the Kashmir issue should be resolved in its historical perspective and in context of its ground situations and it is the only way to restore the basic human rights to the people of this region.

Geelani, who is under the continuous house detention, said that the Kashmir statement of the Head of the UN Peace Building Commission reflects the double standards of the United Nations and it also negates the basic purpose and responsibilities of this world institution. “The purpose of the creation of the UNO was to play a positive role in the various disputes between the different countries and help the people of the conflict zones of the world in restoring their birth and basic rights.”

The Hurriyat (g) chairperson said that Kashmir is the oldest pending dispute in the UNO which is waiting for its respectable and permanent solution since last 7 decades. “Head of the UN Peace Building Commission Macharia Kamau should be knowing that Kashmir issue is the biggest hurdle in establishing peace in the Sub-Continent and lingering of this dispute had caused a huge loss of precious human lives in India and Pakistan in the 3 full scale wars between them and this dispute is still a major cause of political uncertainty and instability in this entire region.”

“Two big Atomic powered neighbors are always in the state of war with each other and a little spark can anytime trigger destruction,” he said.

Geelani said that the UNO had recently held referendums in East Timor and South Sudan to respect the views of the people. The statement of Macharia Kamau that instead of people’s wishes, the Kashmir issue will be solved in context of the political environment between India and Pakistan, is sheer injustice with the subjugated people of Kashmir and it also reflects the duel standards of the UNO.”

The senior pro-freedom leader said that Kashmir is not any border dispute between India and Pakistan which they could mutually solve by sharing and allotments.

He said that the principle and basic party to this dispute are the Kashmiri people and the most important thing in its solution is respecting their wishes, aspirations and sacrifices. “No matter how close relationship will India and Pakistan maintain but they can’t achieve peace and prosperity until the promises made with the Kashmiri nations are fulfilled and their inner is addressed and respected.”

Geelani said that UNO can’t ignore its responsibilities in this regard and it will be against the principle of justice. If this institution failed in playing any significant role in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, it will place a big question mark over the credibility and importance of this world body.

from Kashmir Life http://ift.tt/21jjq19
via IFTTThttp://ift.tt/1iGhVXj

Funeral prayers in absentia held across JK for Amanullah Khan

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Thousands of people across Jammu Kashmir Friday participated in hundreds of prayer meetings and funeral in absentia for deceased ideologue and resistance leader Amanullah Khan who was laid to rest in Gilgit day before.

JKLF Chairperson Yasin Malik also participated in funeral in absentia meeting at polo view Band Park. The prayers were led by JKLF leader Altaf khan and thousands of people from all walks of life participated and prayed for the deceased leader.

Prior to the prayers, JKLF chairman while talking to the people present said that all nations are recognized through their great personalities and it is these personalities present in the fields of religion, social life and politics etc who actually are torch bearers of truth and valor.

He said that ideologue and leader Aman ullah Khan was such personality who despite being highly educated chose the way of thorns and hardships for the freedom of his nation.

Yasin Malik said that Aman ullah khan could have led a prosperous and peaceful life if he intended so, but instead of easy life he along with his friend father of Kashmiri nation Muhammad Maqbool Butt Shaheed strived to change the destiny of his nation and kept treading the path for decades without any sign of fatigue or comprise.

He said that Aman ullah Khan In fact was the leader of resistance from 1960 to 1988 and it was under his leadership that Kashmiris brought up the historical revolution on 1990.

Funeral prayers in absentia for the deceased leader were also held in historical Jamia Ahlihadees Gawkadal led by Moulana Aftab.

Before prayers, president Jamiat Ahlihadees Moulana Ghulam Muhammad Butt Almadani in his address paid rich tributes to the deceased leader. At Jamia Masjid Srinagar Mirwaiz Muhammad Umer Farooq (Chairman Hurriyat (M) also led a prayers meeting. Similar meetings were held at various Masajid across Sher I Khaas including Shawani Masjid, Masjid Saeed Nowhata.

Prayers were also held in Sopore and Baramullah Masajid including at Khankah I Moalla Sopore.

Prayers were also held at Saeed sahib Sonawar led by Moulana Reyaz ul Haq Noorabadi, at Masjid Khulafa I Rashideen Ompora led by Moulana Syed Manzoor Ahmad Shah and at Karhama Tengmarg led by Molvi Reyaz and Abdul Ahad Shahnshah.

Prayers were also held at Jamia Masjid Majeed Bagh, Jamia Masjid Hyderpora, Jamia Masjid Banihal, Jamia Eidgah Banihal, Masjid Usmaniyah Hinjhal, Jamia Masjid Dooligam, at Rajouri, Poonch, Baderwah, Doda, Kishtwar etc. in Kupwara various prayers meetings were held in which JKLF leaders master sheikh Muhammad Afzal, Zahoor Ahmad Butt, Rafiq Ahmad Waar and Molvi Abdul Rashid along with hundreds of people participated.

Prayers in absentia were today also held at Kashmir university campus where hundreds of students and scholars participated and prayed for the great leader. Students in large numbers took part in the prayers meeting.

Meanwhile many people from all walks of life today continued their visit to JKLF office where they expressed condolences to JKLF leaders. Among those who visited JKLF office included veteran resistance leader Mukhtar Ahmad Sofi, Doctor Ghulam Muhammad Hubbi, Muhammad Iqbal Mir, Altaf Indrabi and Muhammad Ahsan Untoo etc. it is worth to mention that a congregational prayers meeting for the deceased leader will be held at JKLF office Abi Guzar tomorrow on 30th April 2016 .the meeting will start at 10:30 pm and will continue for the whole day. (KNS)

from Kashmir Life http://ift.tt/1Wv8Rav
via IFTTThttp://ift.tt/1iGhVXj

Budding Kashmiri Entrepreneur Invited for Hackathon International Event

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

A budding Kashmiri entrepreneur Aarif Shafi Khanyari who has set up a local “Cafe Kafe De Kashmir” at Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnatka has been invited to attend the REC@NNECT Hackathon. The event culminates in a pitching tournament where the representative of top venture is awarded $1500USD and the runner up receives $750USD to boost their ventures.

The two even will be held on Saturday, April 30.

Aarif Shafi Khanyari said that it is a business event where budding entrepreneurs could gain a lot of experience to boost up their ventures. “It is an honour for me and being Kashmiri I am feeling proud that the venture I have started in Bengaluru has started catching the eyes of top business houses,”

The REC@NNECT Pitching Tournament is organized by the non-profit CRDF Global which is world known name in technical and scientific cooperation, Bangalore-based business consultancy firm EgoMonk, and hosted at the great Jaaga Startup Center. (CNS)

from Kashmir Life http://ift.tt/23dbsGp
via IFTTThttp://ift.tt/1iGhVXj