Arnas to be brought on tourism map: Jora

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Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that the Government is contemplating to bring the “Arnas” valley of district Reasi on tourism map for exploring its varied potential. He said Rs 7.22 crore would be spent on the development of scenic and adventure spots, besides creation of infrastructure for visiting tourists once the State Government would receive accord sanction from the Union Government.

This was stated by Mr.Jora while addressing a largely attended public gathering today at village Gari, about 140 kms from here.

Minister of State for Power, Forest and CA&PD and Minister for Haj, Aquaf, Higher Education and Fisheries, Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan also addressed the gathering.

Mr. Jora said that the Government is fully aware about the development needs of the people and is working vigorously to fulfill their aspirations. He said a multipronged strategy has been evolved for the fast development of the State. He said people have high hopes with the Government and assured that it will strive for assuaging their urges and aspirations.

Addressing on the occasion, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan said that extending electricity facilities to left-over hilly areas is the priority of the Government. He said a receiving station has been sanctioned for Arnas, which will help in streamlining the facilities in the area. He said all the dilapidated poles and old wire would also be replaced in a phased manner in the area.

The Minister said that every facility would be provided including availability of food-grains well in time through sale outlets and instructed CA&PD authorities to make it sure that every householder gets its ration quota every month.

Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan said that people of the State, especially those living in hilly and border areas, have suffered a lot during turmoil. He said the Government is working tirelessly to ensure all round development of the State. He said development of mountainous and remote areas like Arnas is the top priority of the Government, adding that a massive developmental programme has been initiated in these areas.

Mr. Aijaz, who is also MLA of Arnas constituency said it is a matter of satisfaction for the people of Gari and other surrounding villages that for the first time a vehicle plied on the newly constructed Gari-Jag Bogli road. The road had been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. He said execution of Arnas-Dhanoor and Gaundi-Panosa and salal-Sujandhar roads are also being taken up at a total cost of Rs 21 crore. He said 17 water shed development projects have been sanctioned for the constituency under Haryali programme to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people.

The Minister said extension of quality education, healthcare and potable drinking water are also priority of the Government. He said several new projects for the area are in pipeline. He assured the people that being their representatives in the Government, he will not leave any stone unturned for overall development of the area. He sought peoples cooperation in this regard.

On this occasion, the people of the area also celebrated birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and paid floral tributes on the portrait of the late leader.

Turtuk in Ladakh opened for foreign tourists: Jora

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In a major move to boost tourism in Ladakh region, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has relaxed the Protected Area Permit Regime (PAPR) enabling foreign tourists to visit Turtuk village in Nubra valley, situated on the famous Silk Route.

Expressing happiness over the decision, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora and Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani said that opening of Turtuk area for foreign tourists would place Nubra valley prominently on the world tourism map. They added that the decision would go a long way in bringing the virgin locales of the region into limelight. The Ministers also appreciated the role of Union Home Minister, Mr. P. Chidambaram for taking personal interest in this matter.

Referring to the potential tourist spots in the region, Mr. Jora said that from now on tourists would be able to travel along the banks of the Pangong Lake, right up to the villages of Man and Merak. Earlier, he said they were allowed to go only up to village Spangmik. He said the route along the Pangong Lake from Merak to Chushul and then across Tsaga La, Tsaga to Loma Bend would also be considered for opening, once sufficient tourist infrastructure is developed there. A large number of foreign tourists are already visiting Nubra valley for Bactrain camel safaris and hot sulphur springs of Panamik, he added

The Minister said that the long pending demand of the locals of Kargil to open the Chiktan-Batalik area for foreign tourists has also been approved by the Home Ministry. The approved tour circuits in the district are, Kargil-Khangral-Shaker-Chiktan-Sanjak-Leh and Dah-Garkone-Darchik-Batalik-Silmo-Kargil town, he informed and added the area is also the home of famous Drokpas, supposed to be pure Aryan tribe. Earlier, the tourists were allowed to travel only up to Dah, he said.

Giving details of the other important relaxations, Mr. Jora said that earlier tourists were allowed to travel in the PAPR area in groups of four, but after the present relaxation tourists can also go in twos. He said permits for visiting these areas are issued by the concerned Deputy Commissioner.

Giving details of tourists traffic to Ladakh, the Minister said the number of tourists visiting the region has touched 75, 000 from the modest figure of 500 in 1974, when Ladakh was opened for tourism and the tourist season which used to be confined to July-August, now extends from May till end of October.

Union Tourism Secy inspects Mubarak Mandi renovation works

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Union Secretary for Tourism, Government of India, Mr. Surjit Banerjee today visited Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and inspected its ongoing renovation and repair works being undertaken by the State Tourism Department and other agencies. Director Tourism, Jammu, Mr. S. M. Sahni and other senior officers of the Archives and Tourism Departments accompanied the Union Secretary. Mr. Banerjee inspected the darbar hall, conference hall, old High Court complex, gole ghar, Maharani Charak Mahal and other sites in the complex. Director Tourism apprised the Union Secretary that the restoration work is being carried out by the Tourism Department in close coordination with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). He said that while INTACH is preparing the detailed project report for preserving the heritage complex, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is heading conservation work. The Public Works Department (PWD) is looking after maintenance and protection works, he said and added that the entire conservation works are being carried out in a coordinated manner. Expressing satisfaction over the restoration work done so far, Mr. Banerjee emphasized on expediting the pace of work, so as to regain the pristine glory of the Dogra architecture. He asked the concerned officers and agencies to submit a detailed estimate of funds requirement for further completion of the renovation work. He assured all possible financial assistance and cooperation for the preservation of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex from the centre.

Rs. 9.50 Cr for Chenab flood protection works

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Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma has said that Rs. 9.50 crore would be spent on Chenab River channelizing around Akhnoor this fiscal to save the fertile land from erosion during floods. He said hundreds of kanals of land in the area have been washed away by floods in the past and to tackle the problem, the government has formulated a comprehensive plan of Rs. 19 crore. The Minister said this during his day long extensive tour of the areas located at the right bank of Chenab at Akhnoor. The Minister took on-the-spot assessment of the situation and issued directed the engineers to start the work on the vulnerable spots. He asked them to complete the works before the next summer season. He stressed on maintaining the quality of work as per the set specifications and by making use of modern engineering techniques while emphasizing on judicious use of funds. Saying that saving the lives and property of the people is the prime duty of the government, the Minister assured that all necessary measures would be taken in this regard. He said that concerned officers will keep a close vigil over the situation especially during the rainy season when threat of floods looms large. He said a new survey of the vulnerable areas will be conducted to tackle the problem effectively. The villages visited by the Minister included Lehrian, Sangrampur, Chack Biasa, Bhour, Dalpat, Chack Kirpalpur,Changwan, Devipur, Mera, Shetaliar. All these villages are located just at the right bank of river Chenab and remain under the threat of floods during the summer. Various deputations of people called on the Minister during the tour and apprised him about their problems. He heard them patently and assured the redress at the earliest. Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Daleep Bakshi, SDM, Akhnoor, Mr. Ashok Sharma and other officers accompanied the Minister.

Gujjar children most deprived lot

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Children day

Over 5 Lakh Gujjar tribal Children live in utter deprivation in Jammu and Kashmir due to usual neglect and are being mostly exploited in terms of physical because of limited source of income and they are forcibly put to labour by their parents because of limited source says a study conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation a National Organisation working on Gujjars

“The parents of most neglected Ajhari and Manjhi Children are not aware of the schemes launched by the government for their education and social uplift as they in far-flung areas and are nomads moving from one place to another,” said Dr Javaid Rahi, national secretary, Tribal Foundation.

The foundation carries out studies on tribes and cultures and will shortly come out with a survey on the condition of Muslim Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir.

Gujjars, a nomadic tribe, constitute as much as 20 percent of the state’s population of about 12 million and mainly live on cattle rearing. In the summers they live in the higher reaches of the state, and come down to the plains in winter.

Dr. Rahi said the facilities provided to the girl child in this community were inadequate. “This can be understood from the fact that there is only two Government Gujjar Girl Hostels in Jammu and Srinagar in the whole state for about 1.2 million Gujjar women.”

The community also feels the pinch of insufficient educational opportunities for Gujjar girl students. Rahi said, “Only eight girl students could make it to the university this year for postgraduate studies.”

The foundation reveals that very few girls from the Ajjhari and Manjhi sub-tribes of Gujjars were sent to school, and there is a very high dropout percentage due to compelling economic or domestic reasons and early marriages.

According to the foundation studies, extreme poverty, child labour and early marriage are “pushing the future of Gujjar children into darkness”.

Rahi said their survey had revealed that out of 100 Gujjar children in the age group of 7 to 15 years, about 75 are engaged in “physical labour”. They are being exploited due to lack of resources and poverty, he said.

According to the survey, “the worst condition is of the children belonging to the Ajjhari Gujjar (shepherds) and Manjhi Gujjar (buffalo keepers) - 83 percent of whom have not seen school while 17 percent are getting an education in religious institutes.”

A large number of these children are working as domestic helpers in the households of rich ones. “At least 17 percent Gujjar children inherit bonded labour from their forefathers.”

Rahi also said that “early or even child marriage prevalent among the tribe was also one of the reasons for not being able to study and progress”.

There are over 2.5 million Gujjars in the state, of whom about 1.2 million are women,.“Female Gujjars are more in number than men as their birth rate is high and mortality rate is low.”

Rs 30 Cr Gondola project to connect heritage sites of Jammu

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NOW THE EYE IS ON CITY OF TEMPLES

*The aim is to involve the use of latest technology which will save the use of soil space and forests and maximum use of air space will be taken in consideration: Kotwal

*State Government is also trying to get permission for construction of ropeway project at Shankaracharyaji, Srinagar from Government of India so that this project could also be taken up in hand.

*All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association flays the inordinate delay being caused in implementation of the rope way project.

*Develop Manda Wildlife Sanctuary into a National Wild Life Park which has been already agreed by the Central Government.

By Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU, NOV 12: Already in the top tourist destinations of the world, the Jammu and Kashmir State will soon shine for another tourist attraction initiative being taken by the state government.

Though the initiative was taken in the year 1995 but now it has been relocated keeping in view the present days requirements and increasing flow of pilgrim tourists in the city of temples. The Jammu and Kashmir state is already famous for the world's highest cable car service at Gulmarg and now the initiative is to promote the tourism in Jammu.

The state government has proposed a cable car project worth Rs 30 crore which is aimed to connect the heritage sites like Baghe-e-Bahi and Mubarak Mandi complex besides others across the city of temples. Gondola, a cable car project will connect Mubarak Mandi, Mahamaya Termple, Bagh-e-Bahu, Bawe Wali Mata Temple, Peerkho temple which will attract the visiting Vaishno Devi pilgrims.

Officials said that the blue print for this project was first prepared in 1995 and initially the cable car was to take off from Mubarak Mandi, but after the declaration of Mubarak Mandi and Bahu Fort as heritage sites, the project had was to be relocated.

A committee has been constituted for identifying new sites for constructing lower and upper terminals for the proposed ropeway,” said Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pawan Kotwal.

The divisional administration is focusing on making the project self-sustainable by generating its own revenue. This would improve the economy of the region by creating varied avenues for the people associated with the tourism industry. The designing the project is being made in such a manner that it can retain the tourists for more time in the city of the temples by developing attraction sites at Aquarium, Bagh-e-Bahu, Mahamaya temple Manda, Peerkho and Sidhra Golf course.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pawan Kotwal when asked said that the work is yet to start and the cost may increase.

“The aim is to involve the use of latest technology which will save the use of soil space and forests and maximum use of air space will be taken in consideration” Kotwal added.

This will be second cable car project in the state after Gulmarg. Relevant to mention here that an amount of above Rs 8 crore has been earned by the Cable Car Corporation as revenue by mid September this year as against Rs 5.73 crore last financial year with number of operational cable cars increased from 40 to 86 during current fiscal.

State Government is also trying to get permission for construction of ropeway project at Shankaracharyaji, Srinagar from Government of India so that this project could also be taken up in hand. Construction of ropeway project at Makhdoom Sahib Shrine at Srinagar and construction of ropeway for Aishmuqam Shrine has already been approved.

On the other hand All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association flayed the inordinate delay being caused in implementation of the rope way project between Mubarak Mandi and Bahu-Fort. Referring to the recent meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Pawan Kotwal and constitution of a committee of officers, to identify the exact sites of the two ends of the rope way project, Inderjeet Khajuria, President AJHLA regretted that the blue print of the project prepared in 1995 has taken so long time in its implementation and the concerned authorities are still not decided over the actual site.

“This shows their non seriousness and apathetic attitude towards prestigious project which can provide big boost to tourism in Jammu”, he added. This delay has also escalated the estimated cost of the project from Rs. 25 crores to Rs. 30 crores. He demanded immediate taking in hand of the project and its completion in a record time.

AJHLA also demanded immediate action in developing Manda Wildlife Sanctuary into a National Wild Life ParkJammu city as an independent tourist destination, but all the projects in this regard are going at snails pace. The Association reiterated their demands for early setting up of artificial lake in river Tawi. Khajuria said that already Rs. 13 crores have been earmarked for this project and Rs. 3 crores are already allotted. But till date nothing is heard about this project. He also demanded expansion and extension of environmental park on Jammu by-pass road. The Association rued lack of adequate publicity about Aquarium at Bahu-Fort. The Association emphasized the need for early completion of all the projects, to make Jammu as independent tourist destination to off set the likely loss of business and importance to Jammu city with rail extension to Katra and train reaching there. Others who supported Khajuria included Pawan Gupta, Gen. Secretary, Ajay Gupta Sr. Vice President, H.S Manhas, Jr. Vice President, Sunil Suri, Secretary, Vikram Singh, Publicity Secretary and Baldev Treasurer. which has been already agreed by the Central Government. The Association regretted that the concerned authorities are only paying lip sympathy and indulging in rhetoric to develop

Rs 30 Cr Gondola project to connect heritage sites of Jammu

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NOW THE EYE IS ON CITY OF TEMPLES

*The aim is to involve the use of latest technology which will save the use of soil space and forests and maximum use of air space will be taken in consideration: Kotwal

*State Government is also trying to get permission for construction of ropeway project at Shankaracharyaji, Srinagar from Government of India so that this project could also be taken up in hand.

*All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association flays the inordinate delay being caused in implementation of the rope way project.

*Develop Manda Wildlife Sanctuary into a National Wild Life Park which has been already agreed by the Central Government.

By Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU, NOV 12: Already in the top tourist destinations of the world, the Jammu and Kashmir State will soon shine for another tourist attraction initiative being taken by the state government.

Though the initiative was taken in the year 1995 but now it has been relocated keeping in view the present days requirements and increasing flow of pilgrim tourists in the city of temples. The Jammu and Kashmir state is already famous for the world's highest cable car service at Gulmarg and now the initiative is to promote the tourism in Jammu.

The state government has proposed a cable car project worth Rs 30 crore which is aimed to connect the heritage sites like Baghe-e-Bahi and Mubarak Mandi complex besides others across the city of temples. Gondola, a cable car project will connect Mubarak Mandi, Mahamaya Termple, Bagh-e-Bahu, Bawe Wali Mata Temple, Peerkho temple which will attract the visiting Vaishno Devi pilgrims.

Officials said that the blue print for this project was first prepared in 1995 and initially the cable car was to take off from Mubarak Mandi, but after the declaration of Mubarak Mandi and Bahu Fort as heritage sites, the project had was to be relocated.

A committee has been constituted for identifying new sites for constructing lower and upper terminals for the proposed ropeway,” said Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pawan Kotwal.

The divisional administration is focusing on making the project self-sustainable by generating its own revenue. This would improve the economy of the region by creating varied avenues for the people associated with the tourism industry. The designing the project is being made in such a manner that it can retain the tourists for more time in the city of the temples by developing attraction sites at Aquarium, Bagh-e-Bahu, Mahamaya temple Manda, Peerkho and Sidhra Golf course.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pawan Kotwal when asked said that the work is yet to start and the cost may increase.

“The aim is to involve the use of latest technology which will save the use of soil space and forests and maximum use of air space will be taken in consideration” Kotwal added.

This will be second cable car project in the state after Gulmarg. Relevant to mention here that an amount of above Rs 8 crore has been earned by the Cable Car Corporation as revenue by mid September this year as against Rs 5.73 crore last financial year with number of operational cable cars increased from 40 to 86 during current fiscal.

State Government is also trying to get permission for construction of ropeway project at Shankaracharyaji, Srinagar from Government of India so that this project could also be taken up in hand. Construction of ropeway project at Makhdoom Sahib Shrine at Srinagar and construction of ropeway for Aishmuqam Shrine has already been approved.

On the other hand All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association flayed the inordinate delay being caused in implementation of the rope way project between Mubarak Mandi and Bahu-Fort. Referring to the recent meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Pawan Kotwal and constitution of a committee of officers, to identify the exact sites of the two ends of the rope way project, Inderjeet Khajuria, President AJHLA regretted that the blue print of the project prepared in 1995 has taken so long time in its implementation and the concerned authorities are still not decided over the actual site.

“This shows their non seriousness and apathetic attitude towards prestigious project which can provide big boost to tourism in Jammu”, he added. This delay has also escalated the estimated cost of the project from Rs. 25 crores to Rs. 30 crores. He demanded immediate taking in hand of the project and its completion in a record time.

AJHLA also demanded immediate action in developing Manda Wildlife Sanctuary into a National Wild Life ParkJammu city as an independent tourist destination, but all the projects in this regard are going at snails pace. The Association reiterated their demands for early setting up of artificial lake in river Tawi. Khajuria said that already Rs. 13 crores have been earmarked for this project and Rs. 3 crores are already allotted. But till date nothing is heard about this project. He also demanded expansion and extension of environmental park on Jammu by-pass road. The Association rued lack of adequate publicity about Aquarium at Bahu-Fort. The Association emphasized the need for early completion of all the projects, to make Jammu as independent tourist destination to off set the likely loss of business and importance to Jammu city with rail extension to Katra and train reaching there. Others who supported Khajuria included Pawan Gupta, Gen. Secretary, Ajay Gupta Sr. Vice President, H.S Manhas, Jr. Vice President, Sunil Suri, Secretary, Vikram Singh, Publicity Secretary and Baldev Treasurer. which has been already agreed by the Central Government. The Association regretted that the concerned authorities are only paying lip sympathy and indulging in rhetoric to develop

“Heaven on Earth” Omar’s slogan for tourism in J&K

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*Foreign tourists invited to visit the State

*Intellectuals, people of London, appreciate Omar’s view initiative

Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah today immediately after reaching London visited Jammu and Kashmir stall in London Exhibition and also addressed seminar organized by International reputed organization Pacific Asia Travel Writers Association (PATWA) in London.

The well known personalities, intellectuals, writers, tour operators and social organizations participated in the seminar, besides Kumari Shelija, Union Tourism Minister, the Tourism Minister, J&K State, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Secretary Tourism, Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, Director Tourism Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah were also present along with Chief Minister of J&K State. There was maximum participation of youth of London in the seminar who view Omar Abdullah as the Icon of young generation of the world.

The Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah also visited the stall of J&K State in LondonJammu and Kashmir State and erase the impression which has been created world over that valley of Kashmir is not safe for the tourists of the world. exhibition, aimed to attract tourists to

The Chief Minister while addressing the seminar said that world should again look towards the J&K Statevalley of Kashmir as their favourite tourist destination like they considered it in the past. He said that the pages of history are full of description, how travelers, intellectuals, writers and tourists visited the valley during past century and highlighted the beauty of not only of valley of Kashmir but entire J&K State before the world. He said that no doubt set-backs have been received by tourist industry in the valley during last two decades as a result of which lakhs of people associated with tourist industry were deprived of their livelihood. However, during recent past and particularly after taking over the reigns of the State, he personally initiated such steps which have proved helpful in restoring the confidence of tourists of the world for visiting the State including Kashmir valley. He said that people of Kashmir have all along since times immemorial track record of their great hospitality and providing all kinds of respect to the visiting guests and on no occasion this strong character of Kashmir was broken. particularly the

He said no doubt because of turmoil, people were not able to visit the valley but now flow of foreign tourists is increasing day by day. He said that recent successful visit of 22 Ambassadors and High Commissioners to the valley and their free movement in all tourists destinations of the valley is clear proof of the same.

Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah informed the august gathering in London that tourist infrastructure of the State particularly of the valley has not only been restored back but new destinations have been developed. He said large number of tourist development authorities have been established in order to develop the new tourist destinations in all provinces of the State.

While referring the potential of tourism in the valley, Mr. Omar Abdullah said that the whole world is unanimous of the fact that the valley is heaven on the earth and every individual has inherent urge to visit this heaven. He said that now this heaven is open for all so that they visit it as per their own convenience and timing. He said efforts are being made to make this place round the year tourist destination. He said not only early spring, summer or autumn is worth visiting the heaven but Gulmarg is vivid example that tourists can enjoy skiing on the high clefts and snow during winter as well.

Mr. Abdullah while addressing PATWA, the tourists travel agents of the world and other intellectuals asked them to encourage the visit of tourists to our State so that it will not only prove beneficial for individual tourists but mutual love will be strengthened and age-old relationships are restored back. He said that answer to present turmoil which is witnessed in different parts of the world is only when people of different places make determined efforts to strengthen people to people relationship which will help peace to prevail throughout the world and people will understand benefits of mutual love and brotherhood.

The Tourism Ministers of Venezuela, Jamaica and Malaysia also addressed the seminar.

Nomad Gujjars advised against vacation of land Nomad Gujjars advised against vacation of land

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Rehabilitation of 25 evicated families demanded

Various Gujjar Organizations of Jammu and Kashmir today advised the nomadic community not to vacate lands under their possession till the state rehabilitates them in a lawful manner. Interacting with 25 evicted families of the Gujjars who had forcibly dispossessed from the forest land adjoining Devak bridge near Vijaypur yesterday, the leaders of different organizations impressed upon all the heads of nomads “Dera’s” not succumb to any pressure what so ever to leave their land. The leaders urged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene in the matter and restore the land in favour of displaced families of Nomadic Gujjars without any delay. “In J&K more than 95% of “nomadic Gujjars” are landless, shelter less and are denied of dwelling rights on forest lands which they are using as traditional inhabitants for centuries together” said Dr. Javaid Rahi, National Secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation a premier organization of Gujjars. Dr. Rahi said implementation of Forest Right Act can only redress the "historical injustice" committed against Gujjars- the major dwellers and conservators of forests Due to the presence article 370 this Act can not be extend directly to J&K without a legislation and impressed upon state government to issue an SRO immediately in this regard so as to provide rights on forests to dwelling communities over the land and other resources, denied to them over decades, Dr. Javaid Rahi further said. Mohammad Anwar Chowdhary State president of Gujjars United Front a frontal organization said we are demanding similar rights on Forests, constitutionally been made available to other scheduled tribe communities in Indian states after enactment of Forest Rights Act 2006. He said in whole country under forest act all the tribals groups are enjoying four types of rights on forests — title rights that grant ownership to land being farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of four hectares; rights to use minor forest produce, grazing areas and pastoral routes; relief and development rights, which include rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities subject to restrictions for forest protection; and forest management right but the ST communities here are denied the rights in J&K which is unjust and unfair. He threatens to move to Supreme court of India to get justice for community. Meanwhile a delegation of Gujjars under the chairmanship of Haji Shamsher Ali Boken, State President of Jammu Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forum met various high officials, Ministers and urged them to intervene and demanded immediate restoration of piece of land to nomad Gujjars of Vijay Pur.

Me Marathi, You Indian!

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Samajwadi Party’s (SP) MLA, Abu Azmi Mr Azmi must be congratulated for maintaining the honour of the national language by taking oath in Hindi. As Azmi has respected the national language entire nation will and must honour him for taking oath in Hindi. Unfortunately this is an attack on the national language and it is high time for the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to realize that they were squarely responsible for giving birth to trouble maker elements like MNS, and now the time has come to act tough. In times of appalling terrorism, the political violence for vote-bank politics, is extremely despicable that we have to deal with insane anti-social elements like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and its founder chief Raj Thackeray. The ‘new’ Sena is an indisputable threat to the integrity of the Union of India with its unconstitutional, undemocratic approach to the promotion of its ideology, which for all intents and purposes, is absolute rubbish. The inaction of the Congress-NCP government has already helped the MNS gain decent political mileage and the cause of the Marathi manoos will only pick up pace unless more rigorous steps are taken – the first being, a complete Centre-enforced ban on the MNS and its activists. The issuance of a gag order on Thackeray was also needed, as is some stringent regulation of the media reporting on him and his malevolent politics. With his devilish charm and wicked intent, such a man can only cause more havoc with his baseless speeches and grandiose misdirection of the Marathi youth. It’s best if he is isolated in terms of his reach within the mainstream media. The MNS are a bunch of hoodlums, whatever you say. They have little concern or respect for the concept of a sovereign India and would be willing to go to any extent to do what they intend to do. With their commitment to such ridiculous acts of violence in the past as the beating up of Railway Recruitment Board exam applicants in Mumbai and Thackeray’s daring rhetoric against the state government and the police, one can only wonder why the rule of law had become a mute spectator in the face of such parochially divisive politics in a state that has produced the likes of B.R Ambedkar, Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar. What should make us more apprehensive is that such anti-India forces have a tremendous impact on the minds of the people, especially the locals. Raj is hated throughout the outline of India, but he has his own support and the concept could produce future leaders who see some logic that the majority of us don’t, in the cause. The coverage offered by the media can also be criticized, to a certain extent. Raj has been portrayed as the moral guardian of the Marathi cause, but what we as Indians should realize is that a regional cause does not exist and our democracy is THE only honorable cause. The impact of Thackeray’s politics will bear heavy on the liberal locals. Marathi intellectuals should come out and shun his words if they have any modern sense of opinion. The loss of face that Marathis will have to face everywhere around the country and the world will be colossal, if the MNS continues to reign supreme. The rule of law should have been implemented in a time-bound frame and not as a show of secession to political pressure from the Centre. Ideally, action should have been taken a long time ago. It’s time Thackeray learnt a thing or two from his fellow ‘local’. When Tendulkar was asked by a TV journalist about how proud he was to be a Marathi in the wake of him becoming the highest run-getter in Test cricket, he fittingly replied: I am an Indian first. Yes, it’s true that I am proud of my state and my roots. But more than anything, I’m proud to have played for India. Thackeray, on the other hand, seems to be telling us only one thing - Me Marathi, You Indian. What is Centre waiting for? To make the worse to happen why not to confine them in starting? Today they opposed Hindi, the language of the nation tomorrow they can stop from flouring the national flag and so on and if not check one day they may ask for creation of a country with the country. This is nothing but Gundagiri. MNS should be banned with immediate effect and all the losses incurred to the public property should be recovered from Raj Thackre. The hooliganism will never and should not be tolerated, what the MNS leaders have done is not at all justified, rather it is condemnable and such political outfits should be banned at once without giving a second thought to it.

Gujjars seek PM’s help to get Forest Rights Act in J&K

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Seeking intervention of Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh over the issue of extending “Forest Rights Act 2006” to Jammu and Kashmir, the Gujjars of the State today demanded the identical and similar rights on Forests, constitutionally been made available to other scheduled tribe communities in Indian states. In a detailed ten pages letter addressed to PM, the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation-a premier organization of Gujjars has stated that in J&K more than 95% of “nomadic Gujjars” are landless, shelter less and deserves dwelling rights on forest lands which they are using as traditional inhabitants since centuries together. Giving details, Dr. Javaid Rahi, national secretary of Tribal Foundation said “we wrote to PM that the equitable growth of country and state can not be achieved without guaranteeing the legitimate rights to hitherto marginalized and isolated sections of our society mainly the Gujjars of the state which constitute more than 85% of the total tribal population J&K”. “Its urgently needed to empower the nomadic community with the means to determine their own destiny, their livelihood, their own security and above all their dignity and self respect and all these can be achieved only by way of giving them the forest rights in J&K, Dr. Javaid Rahi added." To give benefits to Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, the Forest legislation was passed by Indian Parliament on December 18, 2006 and was subsequently implemented in all the major States of India except Jammu and Kashmir. Due to the presence article 370 this Act can not be extend directly to J&K without a legislation, the letter reads. The letter further urged the Prime Minister to intervene and direct J&K to issue a SRO immediately in this regard so as to provide rights on forests to dwelling communities over the land and other resources, denied to them over decades. The letter further reads that with the extension of Forest Rights Act to Jammu and Kashmir state it will have a multiple , forereaching and positive impact on states economy and will defiantly redress the "historical injustice" committed against Gujjars- the major dwellers and conservators of forests. The letter further said we the Gujjars have been protecting forests against mafias, land grabbers but as per laws available, till date protection of forests by any community is illegal here in Jammu and Kashmir which is unjust ,bizarre and against tribal rights. The letter further reads that “systematic exploitation and social and economic abuse” of the tribal Gujjars must be end and mobilize their energy towards controlling and protecting natural resources of State including forests. The letter reads forests are the home of lakhs of nomadic Gujjars in J&K and they are to be declared as a forest protector by settling them properly and lawfully. The letter further said that Dogra rulers of the State had granted the Gujjars Forest Rights but later with the establishment of Forest department after 50s the same was snatched by the successive governments and we are just demanding the restoration only our rights on Forests.

1111 shrines in Valley make heads of Kashmiris high: Renzu

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Dr. Farooq inaugurates Sufi festival at SKICC

1. Tears trickle down from the eyes of Dr. Farooq and emotionally surcharged audience
2. ‘Kashmir Civilization’ written by Kh Farooq Ahmad Renzu, depicting the treasure of human love and concept of brotherhood concealed in the hearts of each Kashmiri released.
3. Cultural Academy, Information, DDK Sgr, Toursim Deptt and other important Deptts participated actively
4. Imams, Mufti Azam distinguished personalities of shrines appreciated spiritual Manqabats and Sufi Natia Kalam
5. People from 162 countries witnessed the programme live

By Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU/SRINAGAR, NOV 7: The paradisaical land of Kashmir has witnessed the rise of many famous saints, sufis, Munis and Sadhus. The rich religious heritage of the region is prominent in its ancient shrines. The Shrines in Kashmir are not only religiously significant but have immense archaeological and historical importance attached to them.

“Kashmir is the name of civilization which has since time immemorial been centre of knowledge,” said Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu and added that due to blessing of these Aulia Kirams and one thousands one hundred eleven shrine present in every nook and corner of the valley, the heads of Kashmiris are high.

He added that the history is witness to the fact that when China was being considered as source of knowledge, Kashmir was supreme at that time also from knowledge point of view. Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu was speaking at the inaugural programme of 3-days Sufi Festival at SKICC Srinagar on Saturday. The festival was formally inaugurated by the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah.

He expressed thanks to Director Doordarshan for ensuring live coverage of the festival in 162 countries of the world and complimented the distinguished audience and people of Kashmir for their full support in organizing such a great event.

Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu also thanked Secretary Cultural Academy and Director Tourism for their extra-ordinary support to make this every successful.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah in his inaugural address while lauding the efforts of Director of Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu for organizing such a great event said that the contribution of Doordarshan, Radio and Academy in promoting art and culture is worth mentioning. He said today he feels very happy that Sufi Festival has been exclusively dedicated for Aulia Kirams and Sufi Saints of Kashmir as existence in all Kashmiris are because of blessings of great Sufi Saints. He added that we as Muslims believe that whole universe was created only for our great Prophet (SAW) and any function where respect and tributes are paid in honour of great Prophet (SAW) and Aulia Kirams is really worth appreciation and applause. He was happy to see Mufti Azam and Imams of various Khankhas and Shrines besides a large number of people in this spiritual function. Dr. Farooq Abdullah while comparing recently held Amir Khusroo function and the present festival said that with an active involvement of heads of department of Jammu and Kashmir he found the current 3 days Sufi Festival very impressive which received attention of large public.

On this occasion, Dr. Farooq Abdullah also awarded the little son of Mr. Qaiser Nizami for his performance in such an event.

In a spiritual atmosphere where besides Imams and Mujavirs of important Shrines of Kashmir and a large gathering of people were present, at the inaugural and impressive function. Tears trickled down from the eyes of Union Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and emotionally surcharged audience on the occasion.

At the beginning of the festival, the video cassette entitled “Kashmir Civilization” written by Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu, Director Information and PR was released depicting the treasure of human love and concept of brotherhood concealed in the hearts of each Kashmiri.

The function was organized by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with Kashmir Sufi Society, Tourism and Information departments and Doordarshan, Srinagar. While welcoming the distinguished personalities who attended the festival Secretary, Cultural Academy, Mr. Zaffar Iqbal Manhas said keeping in view the facts that majority of the people in Kashmir believe in Sufi saints and Aulia-e-Kiram, this initiative was taken with active support of Departments of Information, Tourism and Doordarshan. On this occasion, Mufti Azam, Mufti Mohammad Bashir-ud-Din, Vice Chairman Wakaf Board, Prof. M.Y Qadiri, former Chairman of Public Service Commission, Mr. Mohammad Shafi Pandit, Educationist Aga Ashraf Ali, Imam of Bulbul Shah mosque, Imam and Mujavir of Khrew Shrine, besides Mujavirs of Dastgeer Sahib, Mukhdoom Sahib, Khanqai Mo-alla, Naqashband Sahib, Syed Sahib Sonwar and others were present in large number.

Mr. Qaiser Nazimi and Mir Muneer enthralled the audience through Manqabats and Sufi Kalam of Amir Khusroo. The Shahi Qawals of Khawaja Gareeb Nawaz Dargah Amjeer Sharief headed by Amjad Hussain Asrar and Aslam Hussain Asrar created emotional atmosphere when they recited Sufi Qawali praising Prophet (SAW), Sufi Saints and Aulia Kirams of Ajmeer and Kashmir.

Reports also came that Kashmiris presently living in USA, London, Middle East etc were watching this Sufi Festival through live telecast and lauded through e-mails, the efforts of projecting real sufi culture globally which has received all round applause.