It's a myth that Kashmir does not touch liquor. Over 10 lakh liquor bottles were consumed in the Valley in the last two years alone. This in a state that dashed liquor baron Vijay Mallya's plan to restart cultivation of hop — used in the manufacture of beer — in the state. Chief minister Omar Abdullah was categorical about not doing anything against the religious sentiments of the people.
But his minister of finance and law Abdul Rahim Rather furnished some startling figures in the assembly in written reply to a question by BJP MLA Jugal Kishore. More than 6.25 lakh bottles were consumed in 2007-2008 and 3.85 lakh bottles in 2006-2007 in the Kashmir valley alone. Besides, liquor is a major source of revenue in the state. Finance minister said the government earned Rs211.10 crore in 2006-07, Rs242.64 crore in 2007-08 and Rs203.62 crore in 2005-06.
What is more striking is that liquor consumption has increased despite the ban imposed by militants in 1989 and the social stigma attached with it in Kashmir's predominately religious society.
Allah Tigers had issued a blanket ban on sale and consumption of liquor in 1989 when militancy erupted in Kashmir. The outfit ransacked and looted liquor shops, forcing them to shut down. Only a few shops reopened later, and are operating under heavy security.
Officially, there are six liquor vends in Kashmir, four in Srinagar and two in Anantnag. Jammu district has 135 liquor shops, the highest in the state.
The government admitted that liquor consumption was rising in the state and noted it had adopted a restrictive approach in issuing liquor licenses. "The relevant rules prohibit liquor advertisements and display of liquor in glasses or bottles in any shop. The licensed shops selling liquor need to cover liquor bottles with black tinted glass", said the finance minister.
The moral police received the news with shock and disbelief. "We are planning a two-pronged strategy to counter the liquor consumption in Kashmir. We will write to the government, asking for legislation to ban liquor sale. Secondly, we will camp outside liquor vends to counsel the people who buy booze," said Parvez Maqbool Shah, general secretary of the Forum Against Social Evils (FASE).
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
India, Pakistan Came Close to Peace Deal in Kashmir
Recent media reports in the U.S. and Pakistan reveal that India and Pakistan came close to reaching an informal agreement on Kashmir after three years of secret negotiations. The reports say the deal could not be formalized because the Musharraf government fell. India's Kashmir Valley, once a paradise for tourists, is often under curfew now because of a separatist drive led by a dozen Muslim militant groups. Hundreds of army troops patrol the valley to crush these groups, which India says are being armed and funded by Pakistan. Islamabad denies this.Over the past two decades, India and Pakistan have tried several times to reach agreement on a plan to bring peace to Kashmir, but have failed. But recent media reports have revealed that the two neighbors did come close to reaching an informal agreement last year, just before Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was ousted.General Musharraf was in Washington last month and confirmed these reports to South Asia expert Shuja Nawaz."They were not just discussing Kashmir but they were discussing the entire India Pakistan relationship, according to President Musharraf himself," says Nawaz, an analyst with the Atlantic Council. "Recently when he was here in Washington he confirmed this that they were very close to an agreement," he said.India controls two-thirds of Kashmir and Pakistan the rest. Both claim the entire region that for now is divided by a U.N.-marked boundary, known as the Line of Control, or LOC. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has repeatedly said he wants to make the LOC irrelevant and let the divided Kashmiri families visit each other. Shuja Nawaz says that was the basis of the aborted accord."The idea being that Kashmir should progress, in the sense that people on both sides of the Line of Control should be able to cross to and from and let there be some commerce, let there be some movement so that over time it ceases to be a hot border," Nawaz explained.General Musharraf said he wanted to change the old Pakistani policy of insisting on a referendum in Indian Kashmir demanded by a 1948 U.N. resolution. But then last year General Musharraf himself landed into political turmoil after he replaced the judiciary."Even within the military, people started doubting his ability to get Pakistan out of the hole which he had dug for the country and for himself. … India also saw him crumbling," Nawaz said.But the turmoil may have contributed to a lost opportunity - especially for India, according to Stephen Cohen of the Brookings Institution. "I don't think they truly understood how radical and different Musharraf's proposal was. He broke with the past Pakistani policy," he said.India is expected to hold general elections later this year, and Cohen is not optimistic the two sides can pick up the thread that General Musharraf left until afterwards. "We have to come back to this issue in about four months from now after the Indian elections, after the new Indian government and by that time we are not quite sure what is going to happen in Pakistan," he said.Shuja Nawaz says he also sees no short term solution. He says both countries must realize that the impasse over Kashmir cannot be resolved simply through bilateral discussions - but must include the participation of Kashmiris on both sides of the LOC before a permanent solution can be reached.
(Source:VOA)
(Source:VOA)
Kashmiri Pandits are integral part of J&K: Omar
Kashmiri Pandits, whose sense of security was snatched in the '90s, are an integral part of the state and their return to the valley would be possible only when they again begin to feel safe, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said.
The sense of security was snatched from them in 90's and only "when this sense is restored, their return to the valley will start", Omar said yesterday during the motion of thanks on the governor's address in the legislative council.
The Chief Minister said that although the Mumbai terror attacks have adversely affected Indo-Pak bilateral ties, good relations between the two neighbours are important for lasting peace in the region.
The government is open to dialogue with all shades of opinion and ready to facilitate it at other forums, he said.
Recalling the earlier initiatives by his father Farooq Abdullah to break the ice between the two countries by facilitating talks and four months of truce during the Vajpayee government, Omar said they were a good beginning which needs to be taken to its logical conclusion.
The government would again work for restoring the dialogue process and initiate political measures to resolve all issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
The sense of security was snatched from them in 90's and only "when this sense is restored, their return to the valley will start", Omar said yesterday during the motion of thanks on the governor's address in the legislative council.
The Chief Minister said that although the Mumbai terror attacks have adversely affected Indo-Pak bilateral ties, good relations between the two neighbours are important for lasting peace in the region.
The government is open to dialogue with all shades of opinion and ready to facilitate it at other forums, he said.
Recalling the earlier initiatives by his father Farooq Abdullah to break the ice between the two countries by facilitating talks and four months of truce during the Vajpayee government, Omar said they were a good beginning which needs to be taken to its logical conclusion.
The government would again work for restoring the dialogue process and initiate political measures to resolve all issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
Two girls hang themselves
Two girls committed suicide in an identical fashion, hanging themselves at their homes in the Kashmir Valley today, police said.Fahmeeda (20) ended her life by hanging herself at her home at Dhobiwan-Kunzar in Baramulla district today, a police spokesman said.In a similar fashion, Masooda (18) committed suicide by hanging herself in her home at Bagh Sangarwani in rajpura area of Pulwama district, he said.Proceedings under section 174 CRPC have been initiated to ascertain the motive behind such an extreme step taken by the two girls, he said.
Congress-NC to go to polls together in J&K
The ruling Congress-National Conference coalition in Jamu and Kashmir will contest the coming Lok Sabha elections in the state together,
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday.
The ruling alliance will fight the elections for six parliamentary seats in the state together, Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to the Tulip garden on the banks of the famous Dal Lake here.
However, the issue of seat sharing would be discussed with the leaders of the junior partner in the combine, he said.
Referring to the reported statement of Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone about his intention to contest the upcoming general elections, the Chief Minister said it was good that separatist leaders were thinking of joining electoral politics.
Media reports quoting sources close to Lone said that he was thinking of contesting the ensuing parliamentary polls.
Abdullah said by contesting elections the separatists could put their point of view before the people in a better way.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday.
The ruling alliance will fight the elections for six parliamentary seats in the state together, Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to the Tulip garden on the banks of the famous Dal Lake here.
However, the issue of seat sharing would be discussed with the leaders of the junior partner in the combine, he said.
Referring to the reported statement of Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone about his intention to contest the upcoming general elections, the Chief Minister said it was good that separatist leaders were thinking of joining electoral politics.
Media reports quoting sources close to Lone said that he was thinking of contesting the ensuing parliamentary polls.
Abdullah said by contesting elections the separatists could put their point of view before the people in a better way.
Situation
Mahaz meets on present scenario
An extraordinary meeting of Jammu Kashmir Mahaz-e-Azadi (MeA) was convened at party headquarters Srinagar chaired its President Mir Mohammad Iqbal in which expound discussions were held on present world scenario in contrast with Kashmir imbroglio. Some valuable suggestions were sought from other Mahaz leaders so that party programmes will reach to the common stock of people effectively . Meanwhile deepest condolences were extended to the Senior party leader Mohammad Ayub Ahanger of Bejbehara on the death of his paternal aunt, who left heavenly abode on 28th Feb.2009
02 Girls Commit Suicide
Srinagar March o4: Two girls committed suicide by hanging in Kashmir Valley
One Girl namely Fahmeeda age 20 years daughter of Abdul Ahad Rather resident of Dhobiwan Kunzar ended her life by hanging herself at her home. Proceedings under section 174 CRPC have been initiated. In another incident, Masooda daughter of Abdul Gani resident of Bagh Sangarwani Rajpura, Pulwama committed suicide by hanging herself in her home. Police has initiated an investigation in this regard
Lady hit by a Sumo: dies
Srinagar March o4: A Tata Sumo bearing registration number 1925- Jk01L hit and critically injured one lady namely Haja wife of Abdul Aziz Baba resident of Chajhama, Dangiwacha near Hadipora crossing under the jurisdiction of Police Station Sopore, who later on succumbed of her injuries. Police has registered a case in this regard.
Fire incident
Srinagar March o4: One residential house was gutted and a shop damaged in different fire incidents in Kashmir Valley.
Fire broke at Timran Utersoo Achabal Anantnag one joint three storied residential house of Mohammad Amin Lone,Yousuf Lone and Aba Lone was gutted. However no loss of life or injury was reported.
In another fire accident one electronic shop of Mohammad Rafiq Bhat son of Zahoor Ahmad resident of M.R.Gunj, Wazpora at Qamarwari Srinagar was gutted partially. No loss of life/injury.
An extraordinary meeting of Jammu Kashmir Mahaz-e-Azadi (MeA) was convened at party headquarters Srinagar chaired its President Mir Mohammad Iqbal in which expound discussions were held on present world scenario in contrast with Kashmir imbroglio. Some valuable suggestions were sought from other Mahaz leaders so that party programmes will reach to the common stock of people effectively . Meanwhile deepest condolences were extended to the Senior party leader Mohammad Ayub Ahanger of Bejbehara on the death of his paternal aunt, who left heavenly abode on 28th Feb.2009
02 Girls Commit Suicide
Srinagar March o4: Two girls committed suicide by hanging in Kashmir Valley
One Girl namely Fahmeeda age 20 years daughter of Abdul Ahad Rather resident of Dhobiwan Kunzar ended her life by hanging herself at her home. Proceedings under section 174 CRPC have been initiated. In another incident, Masooda daughter of Abdul Gani resident of Bagh Sangarwani Rajpura, Pulwama committed suicide by hanging herself in her home. Police has initiated an investigation in this regard
Lady hit by a Sumo: dies
Srinagar March o4: A Tata Sumo bearing registration number 1925- Jk01L hit and critically injured one lady namely Haja wife of Abdul Aziz Baba resident of Chajhama, Dangiwacha near Hadipora crossing under the jurisdiction of Police Station Sopore, who later on succumbed of her injuries. Police has registered a case in this regard.
Fire incident
Srinagar March o4: One residential house was gutted and a shop damaged in different fire incidents in Kashmir Valley.
Fire broke at Timran Utersoo Achabal Anantnag one joint three storied residential house of Mohammad Amin Lone,Yousuf Lone and Aba Lone was gutted. However no loss of life or injury was reported.
In another fire accident one electronic shop of Mohammad Rafiq Bhat son of Zahoor Ahmad resident of M.R.Gunj, Wazpora at Qamarwari Srinagar was gutted partially. No loss of life/injury.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Unemployment Troubles Kashmiri Minds
When Mohammed Amin Bhat finished his graduate study, he was full of hope for the future. Today, the unemployed, poverty-stricken young Kashmiri suffers from depression and thinks of nothing but ending his miserable life.
"To me, unemployment is much worse than death," says Bhat, who is about to turn 35-years-old.
"I am not able to feed my father who managed to educate me despite his poverty," he laments tearfully.
Like thousands of unemployed youths in Kashmir, Bhat, a graduate of political science, has given up on hopes to get a state job.
"I have been trying to get a government job over the past five years but I failed."
The long years of dependence on his aging impoverished parents has led him to severe depression.
"I am the eldest son of my parents and I have to shoulder them at least now as they got old," said in a painful voice.
Irfan, another young Kashmiri, has applied to every single job he came across over the years, but in vain.
His failure to get a job has led him to fall prey to depression and anxiety.
"I am now turning old and I see no chance of getting employed."
Last month, the Jammu and Kashmir government sought European help in addressing the unemployment problem in the state which has around 300,000 jobless youth.
Colossal
Dr. Iqbal-ul-Zaman a retired physician, says depression is now a common mental disorder among the youth, citing unemployment as the main cause.
"Over the past two decades, about 76% percent of the patients come suffering from unemployment stress," he told IOL.
"It is a colossal problem. Patients with multiple psychiatric disorders have been coming to us for treatment."
Iqbal-ul-Zaman warns that unemployment does not only put Kashmiris under the yoke of depression but also affects their family life.
"I have seen family breakups and breakdowns due to depression among the youth."
Many young Kashmiris are turning suicidal or violent as they reel under the stress.
"Youth have lost self-control and they overreact to any kind of situation," said a local doctor in Srinagar, Kashmir’s summer capital.
He added that the cases of committing suicide by hanging, stabbing and jumping into rivers have increased dramatically and they are linked to unemployment.
According police records, about 34 unemployed youth attempted to commit suicide, and 19 of them succeeded, in 2008.
Other depressed youth escape to drugs.
"Sometimes abuse of drugs, like anti-depressants, can also lead to death," Dr. Mansoor Qadri, a post-graduate student in Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), told IOL.
"In such cases, one cannot be sure whether the death was accidental or intentional."
A survey by the Kashmir chapter of Action Aid International last month showed that nearly half of the unemployed youth use drugs to overcome stress and depression.
"I do smoke and even some times take sedatives to ease the tension," Mukhtiyar Malik, a graduate from Kashmir University, told IOL.
He can’t help taking drugs to forget how his parents suffered to help him finish his studies, only to see him end up helpless and hopeless.
"How long will I remain dependent on my father? what is my fault?"
"To me, unemployment is much worse than death," says Bhat, who is about to turn 35-years-old.
"I am not able to feed my father who managed to educate me despite his poverty," he laments tearfully.
Like thousands of unemployed youths in Kashmir, Bhat, a graduate of political science, has given up on hopes to get a state job.
"I have been trying to get a government job over the past five years but I failed."
The long years of dependence on his aging impoverished parents has led him to severe depression.
"I am the eldest son of my parents and I have to shoulder them at least now as they got old," said in a painful voice.
Irfan, another young Kashmiri, has applied to every single job he came across over the years, but in vain.
His failure to get a job has led him to fall prey to depression and anxiety.
"I am now turning old and I see no chance of getting employed."
Last month, the Jammu and Kashmir government sought European help in addressing the unemployment problem in the state which has around 300,000 jobless youth.
Colossal
Dr. Iqbal-ul-Zaman a retired physician, says depression is now a common mental disorder among the youth, citing unemployment as the main cause.
"Over the past two decades, about 76% percent of the patients come suffering from unemployment stress," he told IOL.
"It is a colossal problem. Patients with multiple psychiatric disorders have been coming to us for treatment."
Iqbal-ul-Zaman warns that unemployment does not only put Kashmiris under the yoke of depression but also affects their family life.
"I have seen family breakups and breakdowns due to depression among the youth."
Many young Kashmiris are turning suicidal or violent as they reel under the stress.
"Youth have lost self-control and they overreact to any kind of situation," said a local doctor in Srinagar, Kashmir’s summer capital.
He added that the cases of committing suicide by hanging, stabbing and jumping into rivers have increased dramatically and they are linked to unemployment.
According police records, about 34 unemployed youth attempted to commit suicide, and 19 of them succeeded, in 2008.
Other depressed youth escape to drugs.
"Sometimes abuse of drugs, like anti-depressants, can also lead to death," Dr. Mansoor Qadri, a post-graduate student in Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), told IOL.
"In such cases, one cannot be sure whether the death was accidental or intentional."
A survey by the Kashmir chapter of Action Aid International last month showed that nearly half of the unemployed youth use drugs to overcome stress and depression.
"I do smoke and even some times take sedatives to ease the tension," Mukhtiyar Malik, a graduate from Kashmir University, told IOL.
He can’t help taking drugs to forget how his parents suffered to help him finish his studies, only to see him end up helpless and hopeless.
"How long will I remain dependent on my father? what is my fault?"
Improve Indo-Pak ties for normalcy in Kashmir: Omar
Gulmarg (IANS): Relations between India and Pakistan should improve so that "complete normalcy" returns to Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said here on Monday.
“I hope relations between India and Pakistan improve in the near future so that complete normalcy returns here,” Abdullah said while inaugurating a two-day ski event, Gulmarg Derby 2009.
The event at the popular resort town, 60 km from the state's summer capital Srinagar, is being attended by participants from about 40 countries and includes a free ski run, snow boarding and a cross country ski event.
The five kilometre cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola, to carry skiers to the starting point of the race was the brainchild of his father, former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, and even he did not expect it to become such a great attraction, the chief minister said.
He added that infrastructure augmentation for Gulmarg was being planned under a comprehensive project.
“Gulmarg should become a dream destination for all the seasons and not just for summer and winter months.”
In a lighter vein, the 39-year-old chief minister said it was for the first time that he was inaugurating a ski event here and not actually participating in it.
Later, Abdullah actually did a few ski runs to the cheers of the participants here.
“There are participants from nearly 40 foreign countries. Everybody is encouraged by the response we are getting in putting Gulmarg on the international ski map,” said Mehmood Shah, joint director of the state tourism department here.
Many local ski enthusiasts are also taking part.
“I hope relations between India and Pakistan improve in the near future so that complete normalcy returns here,” Abdullah said while inaugurating a two-day ski event, Gulmarg Derby 2009.
The event at the popular resort town, 60 km from the state's summer capital Srinagar, is being attended by participants from about 40 countries and includes a free ski run, snow boarding and a cross country ski event.
The five kilometre cable car project, the Gulmarg Gondola, to carry skiers to the starting point of the race was the brainchild of his father, former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, and even he did not expect it to become such a great attraction, the chief minister said.
He added that infrastructure augmentation for Gulmarg was being planned under a comprehensive project.
“Gulmarg should become a dream destination for all the seasons and not just for summer and winter months.”
In a lighter vein, the 39-year-old chief minister said it was for the first time that he was inaugurating a ski event here and not actually participating in it.
Later, Abdullah actually did a few ski runs to the cheers of the participants here.
“There are participants from nearly 40 foreign countries. Everybody is encouraged by the response we are getting in putting Gulmarg on the international ski map,” said Mehmood Shah, joint director of the state tourism department here.
Many local ski enthusiasts are also taking part.
5-phase Lok Sabha election to be held April 16-May 13
Lok Sabha polls will be held in five phases from April 16 to May 13, the Election Commission announced on Monday.
The five phased polls will be held in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh while Bihar will have four-phased elections, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami told a press conference in New Delhi.
Maharashtra and West Bengal will witness three phased polls while Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Punjab will have elections in two phases.
Remaining 15 states and seven union territories will have one-day polling.
The counting of votes will take place on May 16 and the 15th Lok Sabha will be constituted by June 2.
In the first phase, 124 constituencies will go to polls on April 16. 141 constituencies will witness balloting in the second phase on April 23, 107 seats in third phase on April 30, 85 seats in fourth phase on May 7 and 86 constituencies in the last phase on May 13. Elections to Assemblies in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Orissa will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls.
The five phased polls will be held in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh while Bihar will have four-phased elections, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami told a press conference in New Delhi.
Maharashtra and West Bengal will witness three phased polls while Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Punjab will have elections in two phases.
Remaining 15 states and seven union territories will have one-day polling.
The counting of votes will take place on May 16 and the 15th Lok Sabha will be constituted by June 2.
In the first phase, 124 constituencies will go to polls on April 16. 141 constituencies will witness balloting in the second phase on April 23, 107 seats in third phase on April 30, 85 seats in fourth phase on May 7 and 86 constituencies in the last phase on May 13. Elections to Assemblies in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Orissa will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls.
Rs. 10650 fine recovered from erring traders in Sgr
Srinagar, March 02–The Legal Metrology department conducted an extensive market checking in Srinagar city including Batmaloo, Byepass, Shalteng, Dalgate, Lawaypora, Jawahar Nagar, Hawan and Khonmoh during the last month and booked 34 erring traders for violating provisions of Weights and Measures Act. A composition sum of Rs. 10,650 was realized from the defaulters, whileas a revenue of Rs. 78,663 was collected from traders for standardizing their weights and measures. No. INF/PR-502/2009Counseling programme for Kupwara KAS aspirants Kupwara, March 02–A day long counseling programme for the KAS aspirants would be organized by the Employment department in Town Hall Kupwara on March 03, 2009. The interested aspirants have been asked to attend the programme on the scheduled date and time. No. INF/PR-503/2009Showket takes over as DC Kupwara Kupwara, March 02–Mr. Showket Ahmad Mir who assumed office as District Development Commissioner, Kupwara today reviewed the development scenario at a meeting of district officers. He was apprised about the status of development works in the district. No. INF/PR-504/2009Mushtaq, Manzoor take over as DCs Srinagar, March 02–Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad and Mr. Manzoor Ahmad took over as Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag and Kulgam today respectively. Both the Deputy Commissioners reviewed the status of development works in meetings of officers at their respective district headquarters and emphasized the need for achieving the targets in time. No. INF/PR-505/2009 Government of Jammu & KashmirDepartment of InformationPress & Public Relations, SrinagarMonday, March 02, 2009E-mail:-ddiprs@gmail.com Sood assumes as DC Bandipora, Rs. 17 cr spent on dev works Bandipora, March 02–Mr. Mohammad Sharief Sood, soon after taking over as District Development Commissioner, Bandipora today convened a meeting of district officers and took stock of various developmental works under execution as also the supply and stock position of essential commodities in the district. The meeting was informed that an amount of Rs. 17 crore against plan outlay of Rs. 42 crore have been spent on various developmental works upto end of December, 2008 in the district. Speaking on the occasion, the District Development Commissioner said that 500 housing units would be established in the district under Indira Awas Yojna which would provide residential facilities to the people living below poverty line in the district. He said that three ambulances would be provided to the district hospital Bandipora and 25 new transformers would be installed in the district. No. INF/PR-506/2009 Bla Staff Nurses interview postponed Baramulla, March 02–According to a notification of Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, the interview of Staff Nurses scheduled for March 03, 2009 in his office has been postponed. The next date of interview will be announced separately. No. INF/PR-507/2009 Election for MC Magam Prez Budgam, March 02–According to a notification of Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Mr. Mohammad Rafi, the election to the posts of President and Vice-President of Municipal Committee Magam would be held on March 07, 2009. The polling shall be conducted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Hall Magam. No. INF/PR-508/2009 Government of Jammu & KashmirDepartment of InformationPress & Public Relations, SrinagarMonday, March 02, 2009E-mail:-ddiprs@gmail.comHaj Committee announces programme for Haj-2009 Srinagar, March 02–The Haj Committee of India has announced the programme for Haj 1430 (H) -2009. According to Chairman, J&K State Haj Committee, the first phase, single Haj application form for provisional registration for Haj-1430 (H)-2009, can be made by the persons intending to go on Haj. These forms will be available with the J&K State Haj Committee and the respective Deputy Commissioners from March 05, 2009. The specimen of the registration form alongwith necessary information is also available at the website of Haj Committee of India, Mumbai www.hajcommittee.com. The State Haj Committee will also entertain the Xerox copies of the same. The Haj application form duly filled and accompanied by pay-in-slip of Rs. 200 per pilgrim in the name of Haj Committee of India, Mumbai under its Current Account No. 30683623887 should reach Executive Officer, J&K State Haj Committee, Srinagar or the concerned Deputy Commissioner by or before March 31, 2009. The condition of International passport is not pre-requisite at the time of filing of provisional Application for registration commencing from March 05 to March 31, 2009. Subsequently, all the provisional application forms thus received would be put to lots and the selection of Hajis made through “Draw of Lots”. After the draw of lots, the position regarding the list of selected pilgrims will emerge who thereafter can prefer application for issue of International Passport. The intending Haj Pilgrims have been advised to prefer applications for International Passports with concerned authorities in connection with their Haj Pilgrimage only after their selection is made through the draw of lots. This can even at the later stage facilitate the concerned authorities to deal with the Passport cases for the selected Hajis for their pilgrimage on priority. No. INF/PR-509/2009 Government of Jammu & KashmirDepartment of InformationPress & Public Relations, SrinagarMonday, March 02, 2009E-mail:-ddiprs@gmail.comAir sortie for Gurez on March 03 Bandipora, March 02–According to Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora an air sortie has been arranged from Bandipora to Neeru and Budoaab in Gurez on March 03, 2009. The interested persons have been asked to report at Sonarwani army helipad before 8 a.m. tomorrow. No. INF/PR-510/2009
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