Srinagar, September 20
The state government has ordered the schools and colleges in the Valley to remain closed on Friday, fearing another round of protests from youths on campuses against the anti-Islam film and to prevent any untoward incident.

The Valley observed a complete shutdown last Friday as a mark of protests against the film and apprehensions of violent protests after Friday prayers tomorrow are strong.

The state government has castigated the film with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying that he is holding consultations with the Central Government in order to bring “perpetrators of act to justice”. “We have issued a circular for the schools to observe a holiday on Friday as there could be more protests which might turn violent. These are all precautionary measures which need to be taken at the moment especially when the situation is still sensitive,” Muhammad Shafi Rather, Director, School Education, told The Tribune.

Pertinently, college and school students in the Valley have been actively participating in protests condemning the anti-Islam film which has triggered the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.

Reportedly, protests have given way to violence inside the campuses with frequent clashes between the police and students which have resulted in the arrests of students over the past few days.

All Srinagar-based colleges, including SP College, Government College for Women, Amar Singh College, Islamia College, Government Medical College as well as the district colleges, have been observing protests.

In Baramulla Degree College of north Kashmir, angry students even attacked police officials, leading to injuries to some students.

On Thursday, Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Bashiruddin Ahmad too gave a protest call against the anti-Islam film shot in the US.

While the Valley has witnessed widespread protests against the blasphemous film, Grand Mufti made an appeal to the people to hold protests tomorrow. He said he would also write to the United Nations Organisation (UNO) and the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) seeking a ban on the US made goods.

He said there was a need to call for a strike at the “government level” to respect the sentiments of Muslims.

The Grand Mufti said the Islamic jurisprudence permitted protests against blasphemy. Without naming anyone, he flayed some ‘non-serious’ persons who had issued ‘non-serious’ statements in the wake of protests against the film.

Pertinently, the Grand Mufti too had recently told Americans to leave Kashmir, a statement that was endorsed by no other group.

Geelani went on to say that Americans were welcome and should be treated as guests.

The Hurriyat leader, while giving a call for protest after Friday prayers, yesterday had also flayed a blasphemous caricature that reportedly appeared in an NCERT book.

Geelani has also called for a symbolic two-minute silence to be observed tomorrow at 11 am to protest repeated attacks on Islam. 

Srinagar, September 20
Describing the US made blasphemous film on Prophet Muhammad as “irresponsible and misuse of the right to freedom of expression”, the chairman of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has appealed to the United Nations to take cognisance of conspiracies against Islam and Muslims and fulfill its responsibilities.

He has said a ‘red line’ needs to be drawn as for as such ‘repugnant activities’ like this blasphemous film on Prophet Muhammad is concerned.

Mirwaiz made this statement while leading a protest demonstration outside the United Nations headquarters against the film on Islam, Hurriyat spokesman said here. Mirwaiz was in Geneva to attend the 21st International Human Rights conference.

“Mirwaiz strongly condemned this abhorrent and reprehensible act saying that it (making of blasphemous film) represents an irresponsible misuse of the right to freedom of expression, the exercise of which carries with it special duties and responsibilities under International Human Rights Law,” the spokesman quoted Mirwaiz as having said during the protest demonstration against the US film.

The spokesman said Mirwaiz pointed out that the film was not an isolated act, but came as part of an ongoing anti-Muslim campaign, aiming not only to hurt the feelings of Muslims around the world, but also to distort the true image of Islam.

The APHC chairman appealed the UN to take cognisance of the conspiracies against Islam and Muslims and fulfill its responsibilities in this regard.

While addressing the demonstration against the film, the spokesman added, Mirwaiz also re-iterated that the UN could not shy away from its responsibility and commitment towards Kashmir on granting ‘right of self-determination’ to the 
people.

Earlier, while addressing a seminar organised by Toronto-based International Centre for Human Rights (ICHR) in Geneva on Wednesday, Mirwaiz had called for thorough probe into unmarked graves in Jammu and Kashmir.

While calling for revocation of contentious laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Public Safety Act, Mirwaiz had also said it would be a constrictive step if done at the earliest by the government.

Srinagar, September 20
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said special attention has been given to improve the lot of weaker sections of society, including Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes, Gujjars, Bakerwals and Other Backward Classes, residing across the state.

The Chief Minister said constitution of various Advisory Boards for these sections was aimed at ensuring holistic welfare and development of the population belonging to these sections in all fields of life.

Chairing a review meeting here today to ascertain the status of implementation of various decisions taken in OBC, SC, Gujjar and Bakerwal and Pahari Speaking Advisory Board meetings, the Chief Minister, who is also the chairman of these boards, received appraisal of implementation of the decisions in detail.

The Chief Minister highlighted the significance of various boards in achieving the goal of inclusive development. He said his government’s attempt to uplift the weaker sections of society and provide them equal opportunities of growth and progress receives priority attention, adding that the targets set in this regard could be better achieved through the sincere efforts of the Advisory Boards.

Omar impressed upon the board members to devote their fullest attention towards implementation of schemes meant for the development and progress of weaker sections of society. He gave directions to the Social Welfare Department and other agencies concerned to monitor and ensure benefits of the Centre and state-sponsored schemes for these sections so that benefits duly reached the members of these sections.

The meeting discussed various issues pertaining to the comprehensive development of these sections. Matters relating to enhancement of scholarships, construction of hostels, bhawans and cultural houses, besides other related issues, also came up for discussion in the meeting.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo, Pahari Advisory Board Vice-Chairman Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari, Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board Vice-Chairman BA Naaz, Schedule Caste Advisory Board Vice-Chairman Swaran Lalta, Other Backward Classes Advisory Board Vice-Chairman Kuldeep Raj, Chief Secretary Madhav Lal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, BB Vyas, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Suresh Kumar, Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Jeet Lal, various administrative secretaries, head of the departments and senior officers. 

Srinagar, September 20
A group of former militants today demanded a say in the dialogue processes between India and Pakistan for redressal of their grievances.

“Whenever Indo-Pak talks are held, we should be included in the process so that the problems faced by us get resolved,” Jammu and Kashmir Welfare Association (JKWA) chairman Mohammad Farooq Khan said while addressing a press conference here. Khan claimed that the JKWA had 27,000 members.

Lok Janshakti Party state head Sanjay Saraf, who was also present on the occasion, alleged that the state and the Central Governments had failed to address the grievances of former militants, who joined the mainstream.

Demanding a special Central package for the rehabilitation of militants, Saraf said he had written to the Union Home Ministry for their suitable rehabilitation but had not received a “favourable” response.

He claimed that peace between India and Pakistan was not possible as long as issues of former militants were addressed. Saraf also claimed that the former militants were facing immense problems while getting clearance for issuance of passports for the Haj and Umrah pilgrimages.

He demanded free education for the wards of former militants till Class 12th.

Khan also demanded their rehabilitation on the lines of Punjab and northeast militants. The other JKWA demands include “respectable citizenship” to former militants, grant of easy loans, ex-gratia relief to families of dead militants and shifting of local militants to jails in the state so that they could meet their family members.

When asked if they regretted their past decisions of becoming militants, Khan said: “No….but it (becoming militants) had happened in the heat of the moment.”

Srinagar, September 20
Minister of Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora today said art and drama festivals could not only revive the cultural life of the state but also bring about the unification of diverse cultural traditions.

Jora, who was the chief guest on the concluding function of the 11-day Comedy Drama Festival, assured Jammu Kashmir Film Makers and Artists Cooperative Ltd of every possible support from his ministry.

The festival was inaugurated by Governor NN Vohra on September 9. During the festival, 11 dramas from the theatre groups of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh were played in Kashmiri, Dogri, Ladakhi and Urdu languages and saw the performances of nearly 200 artists.

The festival also saw many classic hits of 80s. Among these were plays written by Late Somnath Sadhu and Sajood Sailani. Vetern theatre writer and actor Makhan Lal Saraf came up with his latest play “Premnath Versus Premnath”, which received a standing ovation from the audience.

“Gobskor” (cheating), a Ladakhi play, was staged today which revolved around the innocence of Ladakhi people who are being duped by traders and conmen that visit Ladakh and pose as fortune tellers and cheat Ladakhi people.

The play with a reference to “Jataka” story describes how a man selling pots dupes womenfolk by claiming that he has a special pot which gives birth to a child and thus is beneficial for childless couples. Whosoever gets a child from this pot would be blessed with wealth and prosperity. 

Srinagar, September 20
In an effort to promote adventure tourism, a five-day-long water sports festival was flagged off by Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzan Jora at Manasbal in Ganderbal district today.

A seminar on “Tour Operators of the Valley and their Future” organised by the Association of Kashmir Tour Operators was also held at Manasbal.

Jora said tour operators should provide better facilities to tourists so that more visitors come to the Valley.

“The government will not tolerate any fraudulent activity with tourists. Anyone found involved in cheating and unethical activity with tourists will be dealt under law,” he said. During the seminar, an Award of Excellence was presented to the Director, Tourism, Talat Parvaiz, while Lifetime Achievement awards were given to Abid-ulla Gonna and Haji Khazir Mohammad. — TNS

Srinagar, September 20
The ruling National Conference today strongly condemned the publishing of cartoons of Prophet Muhammad by a French magazine and demanded legal action against the publishers.

“We strongly reaffirm our condemnation against anything that disrespects our beloved Prophet Muhammad and urge the French government to take legal action in this regard,” said NC spokesperson Tanveer Sadiq.

He said these cartoons were defaming the entire Muslim community besides hurting the sentiments of Muslims across the globe.

Pertinently the French satirical weekly “Charlie Hebdo” had published nude cartoons of the Prophet of Islam in a recent issue.

Kupwara, September 20
Harvesting of paddy and maize crops resumed in North Kashmir towns following improvement in weather conditions today. Farmers were seen busy reaping the crops in Handwara and Kupwara.

“The weather improved today enabling us to harvest the crops again. Incessant rain since Friday had not only damaged the crops but also halted the process of harvesting the ripened crops,” Ghulam Ahmad, a farmer, said.

The harvesting of crops also began in several areas of Baramulla district, reports said.

The harvesting season offers job opportunities to hundreds of Kashmiri and non-Kashmiri labourers. The season lasts about a month, usually beginning from the first week of September.

“Bihari and Kashmiri labourers are in good demand these days. A labourer charges around Rs 300-Rs 350 for a day,” said a farmer.

This year, the harvesting of crops in North Kashmir has been delayed due to unfavourable weather conditions.

While most farmers are busy harvesting crops, some are carrying the harvested crop back to their home or stocking it in their fields. After harvesting, the crop is left to dry in open fields for at least two weeks.

“It is either taken to home or piled up in fields for a couple of weeks and then thrashed manually to obtain grains,” said a farmer.

Reports from Handwara and Rajwar towns said farmers were busy harvesting crops amid pleasant weather.

“The harvesting is in full swing. If the weather remained pleasant, it will be over in another 10 days,” Ashiq Ahmad, a farmer, said.

Incessant rains and windstorm had extensively damaged the ripened paddy and maize crops in North Kashmir during the past few days.

Srinagar, September 20
The 8th JK Science Congress, which involved the participation of scientists, delegates and scholars from all over the country, has suggested the formulation of a comprehensive science and technology policy to provide impetus to the research, education and innovation in science.

Besides, the formation of a state-level task force committee, which will look upon the digitisation of various issues and concern affecting the biodiversity of the region, has also been recommended by the congress.

Prof M. Afzal Zargar, convener of the congress, put forward the suggestions during the concluding ceremony of the three-day 8th JK Science Congress yesterday.

The event was organised by the University of Kashmir in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, J&K State Council for Science and Technology and the J&K Academy of Sciences.

Abdul Gani Malik, Minister for Higher Education, said: “Some of the identified problem areas of our state like generation of sufficient power, road network and rail connectivity, health care, food security, climatology, shrinking of glaciers, threat to biodiversity, pollution of water bodies and agricultural production are in the need of revolutionary scientific and technological inputs. If the knowledge of science with the modern technology is used in these areas, the entire state will witness a huge paradigm shift on the developmental front and ours will become a prosperous state.”

Underscoring the need for effective collaboration among research institutes, universities, industry and government, Malik said the recommendations of the science congress should be forwarded to the relevant quarters and policymakers so that they get scientific inputs, which would help in the promotion of science and technology in the region.

Prof Talat Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, said: “Though the science congress was based on the regional affairs and development of Jammu and Kashmir, it was encouraging to see that delegates, scientists and scholars from 49 institutions outside the state also participated in the event and presented their useful deliberations during various plenary and technical sessions.”

Maintaining that there is a dire need for such scientific discourse in the state given the fragile ecology of the region, Prof Talat said: “The state falls in the Seismic Zone V, which makes it vulnerable to several kinds of environmental and geographical disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, cloudbursts and floods. Therefore, there is a need to put our heads together and find solutions to these problems with the help of advances made in the field of science and technology.”

Awards and certificates were also distributed among the best presentations of the science congress .

Srinagar, September 20
While delivering a lecture on “crimes against women” during the ongoing three-week-long refresher course on women’s studies at Kashmir University, Abdul Gani Mir, IGP Crime, J&K Police, said education was must to give women their due rights.

“Education is the only tool to see women being empowered to the extent where she will see her rights being honoured,” he said.

Mir said Jammu and Kashmir was still a far better state where women were not subjected to atrocities in comparison to the other parts of the country.

Maintaining that women’s issues have taken a centre stage world over and it was during industrialisation and liberalisation that perceptions about women changed for better. Issues regarding crimes against women were deliberated upon by the speaker who said women constituted 50 per cent of the world population and share 67 per cent of all working hours but enjoy only 10 per cent of the world income and 1 per cent of the world property.

Director, Academic Staff College, KU, which organised the lecture, Prof Farooq Fayaz, said an attempt was being made by different government and other organisations to preserve the rights and aspirations of women in context of the global scenario.

He also described the need for organising such courses and said it was important to examine study methods and data from different viewpoints to ensure a comprehensive approach in taking cognisance of the rights and sentiments of women in day-to-day affairs of life.

Jammu, September 20
The Government Degree College (GDC), Hiranagar, defeated the Government Degree College, Udhampur, by 3-1 in the ongoing Inter-Collegiate Chess Championship which is being played at the Government Degree College, Udhampur.

In other matches played, the GDC, Samba, trounced GDC Paloura by 3-1; the MIET, Jammu, defeated the GDC, Akhnoor, by 4-0; the SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu, registered win over the GDC, Poonch, by 4-0; the GDC Bhaderwah defeated the GDC, Reasi, by 3-1; the GDC, Kathua, beat the GDC, Billawer, by 4-0 and the GCET defeated GGM Science College.

Dr Nutan Kumar Resutra, principal of the host College, also visited the venue and encouraged the participating teams. The matches were officiated SP Sharma and Sushil Kumar Sawhney from the University of Jammu under the supervision of PD Singh, who is also observer from the University of Jammu. 

Srinagar, September 20
The fourth batch of 270 Haj pilgrims, comprising 153 men and 117 women, left for Madina in Saudi Arabia today morning, an official said.

A total of 1,080 Haj pilgrims, comprising 630 men and 450 women, besides one infant, have left for Madina from the Srinagar International Airport till date.

The first batch of Haj pilgrims was seen off by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Srinagar International Airport on Monday earlier this week.

Air India is operating direct Haj flights from here to Saudi Arabia after a gap of four years, an official said. He said each flight would carry 270 pilgrims.

Around 9,170 pilgrims from the state are expected to perform Haj this year. This year’s quota for Jammu and Kashmir had been increased from 8,441 to 8,670. In addition, private Haj operators are facilitating 500 intending Haj pilgrims. The last Haj flight from here is scheduled to leave on October 10.

Jammu, September 20
The semifinal line up has been drawn in the men section in the ongoing Inter-Collegiate Chess Championship being played at Government Degree College (GDC), Udhampur.

Defending champion GDC Kathua, GDC Hiranagar, Government SPMR College of Commerce and Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) had sealed berth in the last four. In the first semifinal, GDC Hiranagar will take on GCET Jammu while GDC Kathua will face Government SPMR College of Commerce in the second semifinal.

Earlier, in the quarterfinals played, GDC Kathua trounced GDC Bharderwah by 4-0 while GCET defeated MIET Jammu by 3-1. GDC Hiranagar toppled GDC Samba by 3-1 and Commerce College scripted a hard fought 3-2 win over Government MAM College.

In the women section, Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, and GDC Reasi have secured a berth in the semifinals. 

Jammu, September 20
Milchaar Cricket Club (MCC) trounced MKB Cricket Club by five wickets in the ongoing first Inter-State Koushur Cricket Tournament being held at Mohan Meakins ground, Ghaziabad, in Uttar Pradesh.

Batting first after winning the toss, MKB club scored a total of 86 runs in 18 overs. Vishal Dulloo was the top scorer with 44 runs while Rahul and Sachin contributed 14 and 10 runs respectively. For the MCC, Rajesh Raina and Sunil Bhat were main wicket takers with three wickets each while Santosh chipped in with a wicket.

In reply, the MCC had no difficulty in chasing the target for the loss of five wickets in 17 overs. Rahul Ganjoo played a match-winning knock of 36 runs while Sunil Pandita and Rajesh Raina contributed 24 runs each. Rahul Ganjoo was adjudged man of the match for his fine batting display. The match was officiated by Ashok Kumar and Zait as umpires while the scorer was Jatinder Sadhu.

Srinagar, September 20
On learning about the passing away of father of Dr B Srinivas, Inspector General of Police (CID), J&K Governor NN Vohra called him up at Hyderabad to convey his sympathy to the bereaved officer and other members of his family.

The Governor offered his condolences and prayers for peace. — TNS