U.S. cannot undermine Iran-Saudi ties: general

TEHRAN, 23 December: The United States cannot undermine the amicable relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iranian Brigadier General Masoud Jazayeri said on Monday, reports TT (23/12)

Jazayeri made the remarks in response to a U.S. strategic research center’s recent statement claiming that Saudi Arabia, which has purchased weapons from the U.S. worth over $60 billion, can now attack Iran.

Iran has friendly relations with all regional countries and such statements are meant to damage relations between the two important Islamic nations, Jazayeri, who is a senior Islamic Revolution Guards Corps commander, told the Mehr News Agency.

These statements are part of a psychological warfare campaign being waged against Iran, but no country in the region is a threat to any of the others, he stated.

The United States is attempting to generate animosity among regional countries in order serve its own interests, he said.

Officials from Iran and regional Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, address each other as “brother”, but Washington, under various administrations, has always sought to demonize Iran in the eyes of Arabs, especially Saudi officials.

“Terrorism” will stop when Jews stop their war on Muslims

Bangalore, December 17:  President Obama and other Western leaders are repeatedly asking the Muslims to stop “terrorism” so that they can call off their “war on terrorism”, reports DV.

There is lot of hypocrisy on this newly popularised term “terrorism”. The Western war on terrorism is nothing but a war on Muslims — plain and simple.

This war is nothing but a zionist conspiracy carried out by the Western Christian leadership at the behest of Jews.

This is because all the Western Christian countries are controlled by the Jews with the help of their money power, media and Christian stooges.

Muslims refused to be fooled: It is the American Jews, who control that country and managed Obama election. It is they who managed to make him utter sweet words to Muslims at Cairo and elsewhere.

But the Muslims refused to be fooled. The Jewish engineered war on Muslims in Afghanistan and Iraq resulted in disastrous defeat of US.

Obama later tried to fool the Muslims on Palestine. But here also he failed because the zionist Jews are not prepared to budge even an inch on Palestine.

Any amount of his pouring milk to the serpent is no use. Serpent will continue to bite Obama.

China on top of world: Western Christian leaders, led by the US which is controlled by its 2% Jews, are defeated in their war on terror. The Jews with their monopoly over the media, have launched a hurricane of Islamophobia. But nothing is working.

Rise of Iran: The disgusted Jews got Obama defeated in the recent Congressional elections. Nor are they giving any opportunity for him to succeed in Palestine.

China has already come on the top of the world and USA is getting weakened. With the defeat in Afghanistan, USA is preparing to pack up.

Iran is fast becoming a nuclear power and its political power has expanded with Iraq coming under its sway. Turkey turning against West is another big defeat for the West.

If the Western Christian rulers, who are still in the grip of Jews, are tired of their war on terror, the only way-out is to call halt to Islamophobia.

The zionists, repeatedly getting disappointed with the Western Christian rulers, are naturally furious. This is one of the causes for the economic decline of USA and also UK. And perhaps EU.

Our fear is zionists are determined to take revenge on the whole of West if it does not come out in full support of Israel — which means all-out war on Iran.

But the “Jews of India” are not reading the writings on the wall. It is still holding on to the tail of USA (and Jews) without realising that it is a sinking ship.

China has expanded his influence all over the world. Within an year it is going to be the world’s no.1 economic power.

Anti-zionist front takes shape: China, Iran, Russia together with all the Muslim and African countries — even Latin America — are fast coming together to become the world’s strongest bloc. The Blacks of Africa — the victims of White racism, will never go with the West. Already China has established full influence on all the African countries.

Germany, the worst victim of the zionists, is fast coming up. Already it is the richest in Europe.

What Bahujans can do: The Jews and the “Jews of India” are gradually getting totally isolated.

Bahujan leaders of India belonging to the SC/ST/BCs and Muslims must wake up and prepare themselves to confront the fast-moving global changes.

That is why we have been repeatedly telling that internally we have no hope but the fast-moving international developments are very much in our favour.

WikiLeaks cables: India accused of systematic use of torture in Kashmir

New Delhi, December 17: US officials had evidence of widespread torture by Indian police and security forces and were secretly briefed by Red Cross staff about the systematic abuse of detainees in Kashmir, according to leaked diplomatic cables.

The dispatches, obtained by website WikiLeaks, reveal that US diplomats in Delhi were briefed in 2005 by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) about the use of electrocution, beatings and sexual humiliation against hundreds of detainees.

Other cables show that as recently as 2007 American diplomats were concerned about widespread human rights abuses by Indian security forces, who they said relied on torture for confessions.

The revelations will be intensely embarrassing for Delhi, which takes pride in its status as the world's biggest democracy, and come at a time of heightened sensitivity in Kashmir after renewed protests and violence this year.

Other cables reveal that:

• The Dalai Lama has told US officials that combating climate change is more urgent than finding a political solution in Tibet, which "can wait five to 10 years".

• Rahul Gandhi, the crown prince of Indian politics, believes Hindu extremists pose a greater threat to his country than Muslim militants, according to the American ambassador to India.

• Five doctors were coerced by the Sri Lankan government to recant on casualty figures they gave to journalists in the last months of island's brutal civil war.

The most highly charged dispatch is likely to be an April 2005 cable from the US embassy in Delhi which reports that the ICRC had become frustrated with the Indian government which, they said, had not acted to halt the "continued ill-treatment of detainees".

The embassy reported the ICRC concluded that India "condones torture" and that the torture victims were civilians as militants were routinely killed.

The ICRC has a long-standing policy of engaging directly with governments and avoiding the media, so the briefing remained secret.

An insurgency pitting separatist and Islamist militants – many supported by Pakistan – against security services raged in Kashmir throughout the 1990s and into the early years of this decade.

It claimed tens of thousands of lives, including large numbers of civilians who were targeted by both militants and security forces.

The ICRC staff told the US diplomats they had made 177 visits to detention centres in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India between 2002 and 2004, and had met 1,491 detainees. They had been able to interview 1,296 privately.

In 852 cases, the detainees reported ill-treatment, the ICRC said. A total of 171 described being beaten and 681 said they had been subjected to one or more of six forms of torture.

These included 498 on which electricity had been used, 381 who had been suspended from the ceiling, 294 who had muscles crushed in their legs by prison personnel sitting on a bar placed across their thighs, 181 whose legs had been stretched by being "split 180 degrees", 234 tortured with water and 302 "sexual" cases, the ICRC were reported to have told the Americans.

"Numbers add up to more than 681, as many detainees were subjected to more than one form of IT [ill-treatment]," the cable said.

The ICRC said all branches of the Indian security forces used these forms of ill-treatment and torture, adding: "The abuse always takes place in the presence of officers and ... detainees were rarely militants (they are routinely killed), but persons connected to or believed to have information about the insurgency".

The cable said the situation in Kashmir was "much better" as security forces no longer roused entire villages in the middle of the night and detained inhabitants indiscriminately, and there was "more openness from medical doctors and the police."

Ten years ago, the ICRC said there were some 300 detention centres, but there are now "a lot fewer". The organisation had never however gained access to the "Cargo Building", the most notorious detention centre, in Srinagar.

The abuse continued, they said, because "security forces need promotions," while for militants, "the insurgency has become a business".

In the same cable, American diplomats approvingly quoted media reports that India's army chief, Lieutenant-General Joginder Jaswant Singh, had "put human rights issues at the centre of an [recent] conference of army commanders".

The ICRC said a "bright spot" was that it had been able to conduct 300 sessions sensitising junior officers from the security forces to human rights.

The cables reveal a careful US policy of pressure in Kashmir, while maintaining a strictly neutral stance.

Two years after the cable on torture was sent, US diplomats in India argued strongly against granting a visa request from the government of India on behalf of a member of the Jammu and Kashmir state assembly who was invited to a conference organised by a think-tank in America.

Usman Abdul Majid, a cable marked secret said, "is a leader of the pro-GOI [government of India] Ikhwan-ul-Musilmeen paramilitary group, which ... is notorious for its use of torture, extra-judicial killing, rape, and extortion of Kashmiri civilians suspected of harbouring or facilitating terrorists."

The diplomats admitted that denying Majid's application might have some repercussions with Indian officials, "especially those from India's Intelligence Bureau who have been close to his case" but said it was essential to preserve a balanced approach to the Kashmir issue following the prior refusal of a visa to the leading separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

The cable notes that officials are "unable to verify with evidence the claims against Majid".

US diplomats repeatedly refer to human rights abuses by security and law enforcement agencies within India. In a cable from February 2006, officials reported that "terrorism investigations and court cases tend to rely upon confessions, many of which are obtained under duress if not beatings, threats, or, in some cases, torture".

A year later a brief for the visiting acting coordinator for counter-terrorism, Frank Urbancic, described India's police and security forces as "overworked and hampered by bad ... practices, including the widespread use of torture in interrogations.".

‘UN indirectly supported terrorist attacks in Tehran’

TEHRAN, Dec 16:  - An Iranian official has said that the United Nations has become corrupt and the organization indirectly supported the recent terrorist attacks in Tehran, reports Tehran Times (16/12).

The UN structure has become corrupt, and the UN in some way approved of the recent terrorist attacks in Tehran, and of course, this ignominy will never be forgotten, Mohammad-Javad Larijani, the secretary general of Iran’s High Council for Human Rights, told reporters in Tehran on Monday.

On November 29, two prominent physicists were targeted by terrorists in two separate bombings. Professor Majid Shahriari was killed and Professor Fereydoun Abbasi Davani was injured in the attacks. The two academics were both on their way to work at Shahid Beheshti University in northern Tehran when they were attacked. The police say that in both incidents, terrorists riding motorcycles attached magnetic bombs to the physicists’ cars.

Larijani said defending terrorists is the most ignoble corruption, but this corrupt practice has pervaded the international organizations that claim to be advocates of human rights.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he stated that some people have received international awards in the area of human rights, even though they have not contributed to the promotion of human rights at all.

For example, Shirin Ebadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for her efforts to promote democracy and human rights, while she had not made any efforts toward these ends, he noted.

Commenting on the post-election incidents in 2009, Larijani said some reformists tried to stage a coup d’etat in Iran, and the West, under the pretext of defending human rights, supported them.

In 2009, some protests were held in Iran and some of them turned into violent scenes in which 21 police officers and 13 civilians were killed, he stated.

At that time, many countries accused Iran of committing human rights violations, he said. However, over the past few weeks, the British police have harshly cracked down on students protesting against the government’s plans to increase university tuition fees, he pointed out.

Yet no country has criticized the British government for the clampdown, he stated.And the claims that the West has never violated human rights but Iran is a violator of human rights are totally untrue, he added

Indian troops subject processions to force in Srinagar India trampling Kashmiris’ political, religious rights

Srinagar, December 15: In disputed state of  Jammu and Kashmir, scores of mourners were injured, some of them critically, when Indian troops used brute force on Muharram processions in Srinagar, today.

The local authorities under the instructions of India , had imposed curfew and restrictions in the city to that the Muharram processions. Defying curfew, people took out processions in Jehangir Chowk, Regal Chowk and Habba Kadal areas. However, Indian troops and police personnel swung into action and resorted to heavy baton charge and excessive teargas shelling injuring dozens of people.

The All Parties Hurriyet Conference Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Syed Ali Gilani, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Rais Ahamad, Sheikh Gulzaar, Nasir Khan, Mushtaq ahmad Lone, Hilal Ahmad War, Yaseen Malik, Javid ahmad Mir, and Nayeem Ahmed Khan in their separate statements strongly denounced the use of force against the mourners. They said that the international community should take cognisance of the fact that the Kashmiri people were not being allowed to perform their religious obligations.

Senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) and President of Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi has strongly condemned the imposition of curfew and other restrictions in Srinagar by the occupation authorities to prevent Muharram processions.

Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi, while addressing the Muharram processions in Budgam and Magam, said that India, on one side, was claiming to be the largest democracy of the world, while, on the other, was massively violating human rights in the  territory.

He said that the occupation authorities besides committing the worst kind of state terrorism were trampling the religious rights of the people in the occupied territory and imposition of restrictions on Muharram processions was its ample proof.

The APHC leader said that through such tactics India could not suppress the voice of Kashmiri people struggling for securing their right to self-determination. He reiterated the Kashmiris’ resolve to continue the Kashmiris’ just struggle till its compete success.

He said that on Muharram 10, the Ashur procession would be brought out from Abiguzar in Srinagar at all costs.

Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC

India has 15 Agroclimatic zones and 17000-18000 species of flowering plants of which 6000-7000 are estimated to have medicinal usage in folk and documented systems of medicine, like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy.  About 960 species of medicinal plants are estimated to be in trade of which 178 species have annual consumption levels in excess of 100 metric tones.

Medicinal plants are not only a major resource base for the traditional medicine & herbal industry but also provide livelihood and health security to a large segment of Indian population.  The domestic trade of the AYUSH industry is of the order of Rs. 80 to 90 billion (1US$ = Rs.50).  The Indian   medicinal plants and their products also account of exports in the range of Rs. 10 billion.

There is global resurgence in traditional and alternative health care systems resulting in world herbal trade which stands at US$ 120 billion and is expected to reach US$ 7 trillion by 2050. India  share in the world trade, at present, however, is quite low.

The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre (JKMPIC) set-up in January 1996 in Srinagar has the primary mandate of coordinating all matters relating to medicinal plants and support policies and programmes for growth of trade, export, conservation and cultivation and introduction of new plants.

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Writer-South Asia is updated every minute of every hour with the latest news, features,analysis: Sheikh GULZAAR

Writer-South Asia is updated every minute of every hour with the latest news, features,analysis: Sheikh GULZAAR

Sheikh GULZAAR

NGO to plant one crore seeds along Maharashtra highway

Mumbai: One crore seeds of various trees will be planted during a three-day drive along a 350 km stretch of National Highway No.3 (Agra-Mumbai) between Maharashtra's Thane and Dhule districts, an NGO said Sunday, reports Times of India

Thane-based Hariyali's "Maha Beejaropan Abhiyan" is intended at increasing the green cover in the rural parts of the state, the NGO's chief Punam Sangavi said Sunday.

Starting June 25 from Thane, the drive will go through Shahapur, Kasara, Igatpuri, Nashik, Chandwad, and Malegaon to end in Dhule, he said, adding it would witness the participation of around 10,000 people including local students.

Singavi also mentioned how the NGO has involved the Varkaris (devotees who walk to the holy town of Pandharpur to worship Vithoba, a form of Lord Krishna) in the seed planting drive since a few years.

"We spoke to the head of the Varkari community and told them it would really help even if one devotee plants 10 seeds every day. They agreed and we have been providing them with the seeds since then," he said.

Medicinal Ornamental/Fruit Plants can be obtained from:-

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e-mail: cikashmir@gmail.com

Ph: 09858986794

Contact person: Sheikh GULZAAR

Syed Ali Shah Gilani's nexus between Hurriyat and Lashkar's Abu Furqaan

S. Asif/Mohammad Shafi

Srinagar, Nov 27: The Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, SM Sahai, today said that 60 odd Government employees were arrested among the total 135 identified who took part in the recent protests.

“Some seven employees were detained under PSA,” Sahai said. He said that police had sent recommendations about them to their respective departments. “We hope that disciplinary action will be taken against them," Sahai said while addressing a press conference at Police Control Room here.

He said timber smugglers and criminals had also taken advantage of the recent unrest as police was focused on maintaining the law and order. He said the six months of unrest were not spontaneous but were masterminded by Lashker-e-Toiba militant outfit.

“The investigations reveal that agitation was increasingly a thoughtful plan carried out by Lashkar,” Sahai said. “We have exposed a module in Batamaloo area involved in the incidents of lobbying grenades. Its members were also notorious stone throwers.”

The IG said 18 grenades were recovered from the possession of four youth. During the course of investigation, he said the detained youth revealed that the module was formed by one Sajad Ahmad alias Shamas, a Lashker militant located in Thanamandi area of Rajouri district.

Similarly, he said there is nexus between Hurriyat and Lashkar. “Recently we arrested Tehsil saddar of  Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Rohama, Ghulam Muhammad Tantray of  Syed Ali Shah Gilanai  who is a resident of Behrampora Rafiabad,” IG said. “His telephonic conversation with Lashkar commander Abu Furqaan reveals that he was linked to the outfit. Both of them stayed together for a day and mooted plans to increase and organize the agitation. So it shows how there are links between militants and separatists.” Furqaan was also involved in killing of top Sr. leader  Sheikh Aziz.

Sahai said as the stone pelting has receded, the militant activity has increased. “They want to keep the cycle going,” he said.

Sahai said Pakistani establishment has still kept intact militant training infrastructure on their soil. Sahai said that revelations made by detained Lashkar militant Saleem Rehmani indicate the role of Pakistani agencies in aiding militancy in the Valley.

Rehmani alias Abu Saad, police said, was arrested recently by police from Panzan area in Budgam district.

KPSS condemns attack on Mirwaiz

SRINAGAR, Nov 25:  Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti (KPSS) has condemned the act committed by some right wing Hindu groups in Chandhigarh under the KP banner to widen the gap between Kashmiri communities, reports GKNN.

In a statement Sanjay K Tickoo, president of KPSS, said the role of UT government and the organizers should also be put under scanner who allowed the people to instigate the situation that can lead to more damage in Kashmir Valley.
 

“In 2008, during Shri Amarnath land row, when so called Indian mechanism failed to protect the rights and lives of minorities in the Valley from the un-scrupulous elements, it was Syed Ali Shah Geelani, , Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Sheikh Abdul Aziz, Shabir ahmad Shah and other Hurriyat leaders who provided sigh of relief to the minorities living in Kashmir by showing concern and sending their cadre to protect the minorities whenever needed,” he said.

Whatever the political or religious ideologies Syed Ali Shah Geelani or Mirwaiz and other pro freedom leaders belong to, they always extended the helping hand to the minorities in the hour of need,” he added.

Iran will start production of fuel for Tehran reactor in summer 2011

TEHRAN, Nov 25:  The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has announced that it will start the production of the nuclear fuel needed for the Tehran research reactor by the end of summer 2011, reports Tehran Times.

“The artificial sample of the fuel was produced earlier, and the production of the real fuel, enriched up to 20 percent, will start in (the Iranian calendar month of) Shahrivar (August 23-September 22, 2011),” IAEO Director Ali Akbar Salehi told reporters on Tuesday.

“Production of the 20 percent enriched nuclear fuel in Iran is a firm response to the West,” Salehi added.

He went on to say that the Islamic Republic currently possesses a large site for the production of nuclear fuel enriched to 20 percent (Writer-South Asia)

Elsewhere in his remarks, he said Iran plans to produce an anti-cancer medicine.

He also said that the IAEO will announce the country’s latest nuclear achievements in two or three weeks, after Iran’s planned meeting with the 5+1 group (the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, and Germany).

The IAEO director rejected rumors started by certain Western media outlets claiming that technical problems have made Iran halt its uranium enrichment program.

“On its progressive path in the nuclear issue, Iran will never pay attention to the lies of the Western media,” he added.

The Westerners disclosed the Stuxnet computer virus attack in July after they failed to achieve their hostile goals, Salehi said.

In July, media reports claimed that Stuxnet had affected industrial computers around the globe, with Iran being the main target of the attack, particularly the country’s first nuclear power plant, which is located in Bushehr.

Prime Minister of India's Office, address, Ph, Fax,e-mail

(Information)

Indian Prime Minister : The Prime Minister of India is the Head of the Union (Federal) Government, as distinct from the President of India, who is the Head of State. Since India has adopted the Westminster model of constitutional democracy, it is the Prime Minister who oversees the day-to-day functioning of the Union (Federal) Government of India.

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The Prime Minister is assisted in this task by his Council of Ministers, comprising Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State with Independent Charge, Ministers of State who work with Cabinet Ministers, and Deputy Ministers.
   
Prime Minister's Office : The President of India appoints the leader of the party or alliance that enjoys majority support in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) as Prime Minister. In case no single party or alliance has a majority, the leader of the largest single party or alliance is appointed Prime Minister, but he/she has to subsequently secure a vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha. The Union Council of Ministers is appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister can be a member of either the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) or the Lok Sabha. As Prime Minister, he is the Leader of the House to which he belongs. The Prime Minister is also the Chairman of the Planning Commission of India.

As head of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister oversees the work of all the Ministries. He presides over Cabinet meetings, which are normally held in the Cabinet Room of the Prime Minister's Office. The Union Cabinet functions on the principle of "collective responsibility".

The Prime Minister's Office, popularly known as the 'PMO', is located at
South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi,
India-110 101.
Telephone: 91-11-23012312.
Fax: 91-11-23019545 / 91-11-23016857.
e-mail:  http://pmindia.nic.in/write.htm

The South Block is one of the two secretariat blocks (the other is known as North Block) that flank Rashtrapati Bhavan - the residence of the President of India.

The PMO provides secretarial assistance to the Prime Minister. It is headed by the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister.  The PMO includes the anti-corruption unit and the public wing dealing with grievances.

The subject-matter of files required to be submitted to the Prime Minister depends on whether he is holding direct charge of the Ministry or whether there is a Cabinet Minister or Minister of State (Independent Charge) in charge of the Ministry.

In the case of the latter, most matters are dealt with by the Cabinet Minister / Minister of State-in-charge. Only important policy issues, which the Minister concerned feels should be submitted to the Prime Minister for orders or information, are received in the PMO.

In cases where the Prime Minister is the Minister-in-charge, all matters requiring Ministerial approval not delegated to the Minister of State / Deputy Minister, if any, are submitted for orders. The Prime Minister has traditionally been the Minister-in-charge of the Departments of Space, Atomic Energy, and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

Since the Prime Minister is Chairman of the Planning Commission, relevant files are forwarded to the PMO for his comments and clearance.

Some of the important matters that require the Prime Minister's personal attention include the following:

(a) Important defence-related issues;
(b) Decorations, both civilian and defence, where Presidential approval is required;
(c) All important policy issues;
(d) Proposals for appointment of Indian Heads of Missions abroad and requests for grant of agreement for foreign Heads of Missions posted to India;
(e) All important decisions relating to the Cabinet Secretariat;
(f) Appointments to State Administrative Tribunals and the Central Administrative Tribunal, UPSC, Election Commission, Appointment of members of statutory/constitutional Committees, Commissions attached to various Ministries;
(g) All policy matters relating to the administration of the Civil Services and administrative reforms;
(h) Special Packages announced by the Prime Minister for States are monitored in the PMO and periodical reports submitted to Prime Minister; and
(i) All judicial appointments for which Presidential approval is required.

Parliament Questions
Parliament Questions relating to the Ministries and Departments of which Prime Minister is the Minister-in-charge are answered by a MOS nominated for the purpose or by Prime Minister himself.

PM's Funds
The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) and the National Defence Fund (NDF) are operated directly from the PMO.

Kashmiri leaders plan visit to China, IRAN

Srinagar, Nov 21: Encouraged by China and Iran’s recent stand on Kashmir, both factions of Hurriyat Conference are planning to visit the two countries to mobilize their ‘permanent’ diplomatic support towards resolution of the Kashmir issue.

As part of the process, the chairmen of the two factions will meet the envoys of the two countries during their scheduled visits to New Delhi in coming days.

“A visit to Iran and China will not only strengthen our movement on diplomatic front but will help us to garner more international support for resolution of Kashmir issue. Like Pakistan, we have to garner support from these countries to pressurise India to resolve the Kashmir issue amicably and according to UN resolutions,” Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani told Rising Kashmir.

He said during his planned visit to New Delhi he would be meeting the envoys of China and Iran. “I would meet the ambassadors of the two countries to formulate a proper mechanism for a formal visit,” Geelani said adding, “A permanent support for the implementation of UN resolutions will strengthen our long-pending demand for Right to Self Determination to allow Kashmiris to determine their fate”.

He, however, said any visit to these countries will be subject to the issuance of travel documents by the Indian authorities.

The Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also said that his conglomerate is working on diplomatic front for such a visit. “International support for Kashmir is must and we will surely visit these countries whenever such an opportunity comes. We are working on such things and as a first step we would be meeting the envoys of China and Iran during my scheduled visit to Indian capital in the coming weeks,” Mirwaiz said.

He said China’s stand on Kashmir has always been encouraging and the recent statement by Iranian spiritual leader on Kashmir is a beginning of support building process on international level for resolution of Kashmir issue. “To garner the support permanently, visits to these countries is necessary and must,” he said.

The Hurriyat (M) chairman said the senior conglomerate leader Aga Syed Hassan has been frequently visiting Iran, apprising its leaders about the Kashmir situation and its implications on the peace and stability of the region.

He said he has a standing invitation from a Chinese NGO and plans to visit Iran as well in the near future.

Writer-South Asia is updated every minute of every hour with the latest news, features,analysis: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Srinagar (Worldwide)

Writer-South Asia is updated every minute of every hour with the latest news, features,analysis: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Srinagar (Worldwide)

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Srinagar (Worldwide)

Srinagar, Nov 20 : There are two distinct outfits, each of which identifies itself by the name Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). Amanullah Khan heads the first while Yasin Malik, who parted ways with Amanullah Khan and formed another JKLF, heads the other. In May 1994, Yasin Malik who was released from jail (after his arrest in August 1990) declared that his faction would renounce violence as a tool to achieve the goal of 'independence'. In March 1996, the last surviving members of the Amanullah faction who were based in J&K under the leadership of Shabbir Siddiqui were killed in two encounters in Hazrztbal area.

Both the Fronts trace their origin to the Jammu and Kashmir National Liberation Front (JKNLF). The JKNLF was an offshoot of the Plebiscite Front, a forum allegedly launched at the behest of the late Sheikh Abdullah, who was Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and President of the National Conference, at a time when he was at loggerheads with India's Union Government. After the Sheikh-Indira Accord was signed, militant, pro-independence elements within the Plebiscite Front walked out to continue with the movement to secede from India.

The JKLF was set up in the United Kingdom, in May 1977, by one of the co-founders of the JKNLF, Amanullah Khan, after most of his JKNLF colleagues were either killed or captured by Indian security forces. The outfit is reportedly supported by expatriates of the Mirpur community that belongs to Azad Jammu and Kashmir  (AJK). Another JKLF, a splinter group headed by Yasin Malik, was founded in September 1995, after Malik split from Khan over differences on the strategy to be pursued to achieve perceived goals.

While both the JKLFs share a common goal, self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Yasin Malik faction has renounced the use of violence to attain this goal. It lays emphasis on adopting non-violent means and mobilising public opinion in India and Pakistan in favour of its objectives. It is a constituent of the All Party Huriyat Conference.

Amanullah Khan's JKLF promotes itself as an outfit conducting the struggle on three fronts –– political, which implies mobilisation of public opinion; diplomatic, which implies lobbying with third countries; and armed struggle against Indian security forces in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).

In the Seventies and early Eighties, the JKLF operated mostly from London and AJK, with Amanullah Khan and Hashim Qureshi directing from London unit and Farooq Haider and Mohammed Muzzafar holding fort in AJK. Their activities were, in large measure, confined to propagating the cause of a plebiscite in J&K and mobilising international support for this objective.

Even before the inception of JKLF, its leaders under various other banners had indulged in terrorist activities. One such instance was the hijacking of an Indian Airlines aircraft in 1971; Altaf and Hashim Qureshi, two prominent leaders, hijacked the plane. LATE Maqbul Butt, one of the co-founders of the outfit and who had escaped from an Indian jail in December 1968, was reportedly involved in planning the hijacking.

Later, in 1976, Butt returned to India, only to be arrested the same year. In 1980, he was sentenced to death for killing a police officer in 1968. The sentence was, however, kept in abeyance. On February 3, 1984, as the JKLF puts it, "some JKLF enthusiastic activists who without approval, and even knowledge of their leadership, kidnapped Indian Deputy High Commission in Birmingham", Ravindra Mahtre, and demanded Butt's release. The demand was turned down and Mahtre was killed on February 6. The death sentence against Butt was revived and implemented on February 11. The abductors of Mahtre, who were JKLF members had floated the Kashmir Liberation Army to carry out the act.

A British court acquitted Amanullah Khan in the Mahtre killing case, but the government served a deportation notice on him. Khan reached Pakistan and assumed leadership of the JKLF. Reportedly, he had established contacts with Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) for building a network of training camps in Pakistan, encouraging youth from J&K to cross the Line of Control (LoC) and receive training.

After elections were held to the State Legislature in 1987, which were allegedly rigged by National Conference and supported by some Indian agencies , several youth crossed the LoC and received arms training. Simultaneously, the JKLF established its network in Srinagar and, in 1988, initiated the present phase of armed insurgency in the State with two bomb blasts in the capital city of Srinagar.

All through its history the JKLF has demanded conducting a plebiscite in J&K, but has made no effort to conceal its preference for an independent, sovereign State. This latter position is in direct conflict with Pakistan's contention, that Kashmir in its entirety belongs to it, made apparent by a consistent refusal for a third option in the plebiscite that has been demanded (the other options are: accession to either India or Pakistan). Another cause of friction between the JKLF and its mentors is the status of Gilghit-Baltistan. While JKLF maintains that this region is a part of J&K, Pakistan's hold that this region is separate from the State and its accession to Pakistan is final and irrevocable.

These differences never faded but came to the fore at various points of time. As a result, Pakistan was, on occasion, hostile towards the JKLF. For instance, when Maqbool Butt escaped from an Indian jail in 1968 and crossed over to Pakistan, he was jailed for a few months.

Analysts hold that, despite these, the ISI had to depend upon the JKLF in the initial stages of the insurgency as it lacked its own network in J&K. Once the JKLF began bringing in people for training, the ISI gradually weaned away a considerable section of them from the JKLF. Using money and weapon supplies as baits, the ISI bought the loyalty of several militants. By 1991, with ISI's help the pro-Pakistan Hizb-ul-Mujahideen gained greater terror potential as compared to the JKLF. Moreover, the formation of  TJI,Jehad Force, AL-Jehad, Janbaz Force, AL-Fatha, Jamiat, Harkat-ul-Ansar, Lashkar-e-Toiba and numerous other smaller outfits contributed to the marginalisation of JKLF. Besides this, JKLF has been directly targeted by the ISI and the outfits that were controlled by it with armed attacks. For instance, the ISI attempted to forcibly shut down a JKLF training camp in Kotli district, AJK, on February 11 and 12, 1998. In another incident, Hizb militants killed two JKLF cadres on July 13, 1997, in Muzaffarabad, the capital of AJK..

Internal factors, too, contributed to the decline of the JKLF as a militant outfit. As mentioned earlier, Yasin Malik, who was then heading the outfit in J&K, walked out in 1995. His successor, Shabbir Siddiqui and 37 remaining members of the Amanullah Khan faction were killed in two incidents in Hazratbal, in March 1996; 11 had been killed on March 24 and the other 26, including Shabbir Siddiqui, on March 29. After this, the JKLF failed to resurrect itself as a militant  outfit. Its presence is restricted to the participation of Yasin Malik's faction in the APHC.

The AJK unit of the JKLF under Amanullah Khan's leadership has conducted three marches with a view to crossing across the LoC into India. Fearing international repercussions, Pakistan used force to halt these marches and, in the process, killed several JKLF members and supporters. The first two attempts to cross the LoC were made in 1992, the first on February 12, and the second on October 24. Seven persons were killed in the first instance and one in the second attempt to cross the LoC, when Pakistani security forces opened fire on the marchers. The third attempt was made on October 5, 199. This time round, there were no casualties when the group was stopped.(Writer-South Asia)

JKLF (Yaseen Malik)

Chairman, Maqbool Manzil, Maisuma, Lal Chowk, Srinagar SGR JK 190001

Ph: 01942474882,01942472204,9419009423 

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/page...

JKLF Supreme Head, Amanullah Khan
HEAD OFFICE: Eidgah Road, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan Administrated Kashmir
Tel: 058810-45035, 49523

SUB HEAD OFFICE: 101 Rajbagh, Srinagar, Indian Held Kashmir
Tel: +91-194-2456325, Mobile: 0091 941999 7706
Email: smafzal@jklfworld.org

CENTRAL INFORMATION OFFICE (CIO): 

B-144, Satellite Town, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk, Rawaplindi (Pakistan)
Tel: +92-51-4425689 Telefax +92-51-4450414
E-mail: jklf@isb.comsats.net.pk       

web page: http://www.jklfworld.org

GILGIT OFFICE:
Airport Road Gilgit. Telephone: +92-5811-52048

DIPLOMATIC CHAPTER : 

Kashmir House, 44 Westbourne Rd. Luton Beds, England,
Telephone: (01582) 405667 Fax: (01582) 486016
E-Mail: jklfukzone@jklfworld.org

EUROPE ZONE:
1, Rue la defence, du bourget, 93150 Blanc, Mensil, Paris, France,
Tel: 00+31-1-48675338

U.S. BRANCH:       
M.A. Khan Tel: 001-516-7757340, 201-7709470, 732-4952513

Website:       
www.jklfworld.org / www.jklf.co.uk

Blog:

www.jklfworld.blogspot.com

Database/Research: International Information Resource Centre

Tributes paid to Aali kadal Martyrs. Shaheed I Hurriyat Sheikh Abdul Hameed and others remembered.: JKLF

Srinagar, Nov 19: On the martyrdom anniversary of Shuhada I Aalikadal, today rich tributes were paid to  Shaheed I Hurriyat Sheikh Abdul Hameed,Shaheed Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Shaheed Adv.Jamil Chowdary,Shaheed Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh ,Shaheed Mushtaq Ahmad Kuttay,Shaheed Manzoor Ahmad Khan and Shaheed Ghulam Ahmad ..JKLF Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik and other leaders and activists visited Mazar I Shuhada(martyrs graveyard) Eid Gah today and a memorial ceremony was held there.

Remembering shaheed I Huriyat Sheikh Abdul Hameed JKLF Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik while addressing a gathering at martyr’s graveyard Eid Gah said that he was one of the bravest sons of soil who never shunned the path of truth. Yasin said that shaheed I hurriyat sheikh abdul hameed was very humble and always ready to respect and follow his seniors .yasin said that sheikh Abdul Hameed will be remembered for his devotion and forging a unity among various thoughts and  Shades of opinions in the azadi camp. yasin said that along with shaheed I Kashmir Ishfaq Majeed wani, Shaheed Hameed laid down the foundation of present struggle and this valued son of  our nation continued his struggle till he attained martyrdom. Yasin Malik also paid tributes to Shaheed Mushtaq Ahmad Lone and said that his steadfastness and passion for an independent Kashmir was inspiring. Yasin while paying tributes to shaheed adv. Jamil Chowdry said that Jamil was from azad Kashmir. He shunned his luxurious carrier and life and fought along with other JKLF people in this part of Kashmir and in this way attained martyrdom, yasin also paid rich tributes to Shaheed Fayaz,Shaheed Mushtaq ,Shaheed Manzoor and Shaheed Ghulam Mohammad .Yasin Malik said that these martyrs sacrificed their today for the betterment of our tomorrow and now it is our duty to follow their foot prints and keep on our struggle till mission is accomplished. Yasin Malik reiterated that JKLF being the torch bearer of this movement for complete independence will leave no stone unturned for the sacred cause. Besides Yasin Malik other senior leaders, activists, family members of martyrs and well wishers also participated in the Programme. After the programme Yasin Malik and others went to the houses of martyrs to show solidarity with their families.

Tributes were also paid to Shaheed Ghulam Nabi Butt (Younger brother of Shaheed Baba I Qoum Mohammad Maqbool Butt) who also departed from us on the same day of 1993. While remembering Shaheed Ghulam Nabi Butt JKLF leaders paid rich tributes to him.

Israel is the root cause of global terrorism: Baroness Tonge

Tehran, Nov 16: Liberal Democrat Peer Jenny Tonge says Israel is the cause of global terrorism and problems like Kashmir and Palestine are alienating Muslims all over the world, reports Tehran Times.
Speaking at the Strategic Defense and Security Review on Sunday at the House of Lords in London, she said, “The ill-treatment of Palestinians by Israel is held up as an example of how the West treats Muslims and is at the root cause of terrorism worldwide.”

“Even (the Quartet's Middle East envoy) Tony Blair has now admitted this publicly,” she noted.

Baroness Tonge told the House of Lords that Israel's behavior toward Palestinians goes unchecked, possibly because of “Holocaust guilt” or “the power of the pro-Israel lobby” in the UK and the United States.

Commenting on two unresolved conflicts in the Islamic world, Tonge said, “It is a disgrace to us all that problems such as Kashmir and Palestine are still alienating Muslims all over the world.”

She also attacked Britain’s coalition government for its anti-Iran policies and its close ties with Israel.

She went on say that “cynics might think Britain is at the ready to help Israel attack Iran.”

“Why do we let it continue? Is it Holocaust guilt? We should be guilty -- of course we should. Is it the power of the pro-Israel lobby here and in the USA?”

“Or is it the need, maybe, to have an aircraft carrier called Israel in the Middle East, from which to launch attacks on countries such as Iran? The cynic might think that that is why HMS Ark Royal and the Harriers (fighter jets) can be dispensed with (as part of UK defense cuts) -- (since) we already have a static ‘Ark Royal’ in a strategic position, armed to the teeth and ready to fight, provided that we do not offend Israel,” she said.

Kashmir on United Nations Security Council agenda: UNO

United Nations, Nov 16: The Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains on the United Nations Security Council’s agenda, a UN spokesman categorically stated while rejecting as “inaccurate” reports that it has been removed from the list of unresolved issues.

“Some articles today on Kashmir are inaccurate,” UN Spokesman Farhan Haq said, referring to those reports.

He said the latest list of matters the Security Council is seized of “continues to include the agenda item under which the Council has taken up Kashmir which, by a decision of the Council, remains on the list for this year,” the spokesman added.

Earlier, a spokesman for the Pakistan Mission clarified that Pakistan’s Acting Ambassador Amjad Hussain Sial, in his speech to the General Assembly on Friday, November 12 had referred to the omission of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in a statement by the President of the Security Council, and NOT from the Council’s Annual Report-as reported in a section of press.

“The agenda item entitled, ‘India and Pakistan Question’, which covers Jammu and Kashmir dispute, is duly mentioned in the Annual Report of the Security Council and is also present on its agenda,” spokesman Mian Jehangir Iqbal said in a statement.

In his statement, the 15-member Council’s President for the current month, British Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant, while presenting the Annual Report to the 192-member assembly, did not mention the Kashmir dispute in the context of unresolved long-running situations, despite the fact decades-old issue is included in the Annual Report.

“We understand this was an inadvertent omission, as Jammu and Kashmir is one of the oldest disputes on agenda of the Security Council,” Ambassador Sial remarked, after Grant’s statement.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon, who is on a visit to Pakistan, said there was no question of the Kashmir issue being dropped from the Council’s agenda. “The Security Council Report in its annexures is explicit,” he said in a statement.

“The President of the Security Council, the Permanent Representative of the UK, is amply clear on the subject and is cognizant of the matter. I would request all concerned not to speculate unnecessarily upon the subject”. (Agncies/Writer-South Asia)

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) seeds

Saw palmetto is a native of california. It grows wild in the Dalmatian region of Yugoslavia. It is cultivated in Yugoslavia, Italy, Albania, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, England, Canada and USA.In Kashmir, it is sparingly cultivated in Gilgat, Muzaffarabad. In india good quality saw palmetto  plants, berries/seeds, supplements are available

Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens as mentioned, is a topical palm like small plant in North America. will extract from fruit or berries of the saw palmetto is derived, and the berries, while itself strongly with fatty acids (lauric acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid enriched) polysaccharides) and phytosterols (plant sterols. It is extracted largely as an aphrodisiac for men and Women sold. aphrodisiac is an agent that is used in the belief that it increases sexual desire. Uses of Saw Palmetto Saw Palmetto has also been used to a wide range of conditions, including the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to treated, a condition characterized by enlarged prostate, urinary tract other problems, skin diseases, thyroid defeciences, genitals, impotence, improve hormonal disorders, cystitis, etc.

Among other advantages, also taken to the skin can be revitalize, urine flow in the breast enlargement men, women and pulmonary congestion due to cough, asthma and bronchitis. Role of saw palmetto in preventing hair loss recently, it was widely accepted as a very effective treatment, herbal hair loss reverse and treatment of diseases such as alopecia. It is one of the best hair loss treatment available today Organina considered. scientific evidence that Saw Palmetto inhibits the conversion of organic substances testosterone into DHT and prevents DHT from the addition bind to the androgen receptor thus a better control of hair loss in men. For the role of DHT in Palmetto hair loss because of its improved to prevent substantial understanding of the causes. It helps and hair follicles revitalize hair strength, volume and shine, scalp, making it less susceptible to stress and anger. So, if you for safe products for hair loss saw palmetto seeks an option you should consider first . Even if it does not help hair sudden outpouring known, but when taken over a period of time, would surely prevent it, hair loss and extend atleast situation where many people can go to the surgical option, as the transplant to restore her crown better. Taking it out on some vitamins and minerals. Are there any side effects associated with use of Saw Palmetto? There are no known side effects and documented with the use of Saw Palmetto associated both externally and internally However, if you have any concerns have on its always best to consult your doctor. How saw palmetto used for ? internal lies:

The recommended dosage for saw palmetto between 160 mg / day to 320 mg / day, when taken orally. Ext: Saw palmetto can be used as an oil extract or ointment that can be gently massaged into the purchase are hair roots. Since its lipophilic components in nature, they are in the oil extracted base and are easily absorbed through the skin, making an even more productive. to leave If wash before hair, applied at least half an hour (1-2 hours to absorb better). For better heat absorption in hot water or in the microwave (50-10 seconds) before use. Preferably, it should be applied at night before bedtime and left overnight, the better results through better absorption.

Saw palmetto is now a popular and effective treatment for prostate enlargement in men but has it’s origins in natural medicine as a breast enlarger and is still recommended today by naturopathic physicians for increasing breast size. It is also used as an aphrodesiac, for the treatment of impotence in men, and for inhibited sexual desire in women. Saw palmetto has been used for centuries. Native Americans, dating back to pre-Mayan civilizations, used the berries for food and medicine and particularly for breast disorders in women. Early American botanists noted that animals who were fed with these berries grew sleek and robust, experienced restored sexual vigor and improved muscle tone. Saw palmetto is useful as a nutritive tonic, supporting the function of a healthy appetite and smooth digestion. Saw palmetto berry also tones the urethra, and it may be used to uphold the healthy function of the thyroid gland and urinary system. This remarkable herb has no side effects or drug interactions. It’s breast enhancing effects stem from phyto-nutrients that stimulate breast tissue, increasing health and size. To call saw palmetto a “man’s herb” is a disservice to it’s healthy benefits for both sexes.

Cultivation details:
Choose a location that has dry, well draining soil. The soil must be high in quartz and fine grained. The Saw Palmetto grows best in high heat yet also survives in short frosts. The tree grows well in shade or sun.

Plan on planting the seeds after the summer rains. Saturated soils can retard early growth and flooding can prevent root establishment.

Soak the seeds in warm water for at least 24 hours. Soaking enhances the germination process and helps the seeds sprout quicker.

Plant the seeds in the ground just below the surface. Often times the seeds pass through animal digestive systems and take root when the palm is out in the wilderness exposed to wildlife.

Water the newly planted seeds regularly, but not too much as they are a very drought tolerant plant. It grows well in dry ground. Shoots emerge from the seeds 30 to 60 days after planting, but optimal germination is observed up to 6 months.

For trade enquries:
Qty: 50,100,200,500 seeds/ pkt
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) seeds are available at:
Chenab Industries
Ist Street, Shaheed-e-Azeemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR J&K 192121
Mailing address: PO Box 667 Srinagar SGR J&K- 190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Call us: 09858986794
e.mail: iirc@rediffmail.com
web: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com

Speaking out on Kashmir and Palestine in the US

By :Yasmin Qureshi

Washington, October 10 : The United States has become a battleground for both the struggles of the peoples of Palestine and Kashmir, for freedom from military occupation and for justice. Awareness amongst the US public is broadened as the repression of both struggles grows ever more violent, and meanwhile those wishing to stifle debate on these issues in the US resort to harassment and intimidation.

The same day that renowned activist and writer Arundhati Roy commented that "Kashmir was never an integral part of India," for which her home was later attacked, I was subjected to harassment here in the US while I spoke about the human rights situation in Kashmir. Though not threatened in the way that Roy was, what we both experienced were attempts to silence us. Forces sympathetic to the same right-wing ideology as those who attacked Roy mobilized their ranks by putting out an alert stating: "An Indian Muslim Woman is speaking about azadi [freedom] of Kashmiris and we should protest."

After my presentation at the main public library in San Jose, California last month, I was told by one member of the audience that "You are the very reason why we Hindus hate Muslims," and that comment was followed by many that were worse. I was called an extremist and told "Your presentation is a lie; this is India-bashing." The abuse I received will be familiar to those who have been on the receiving end of the backlash when speaking about the Palestinian cause.

Indeed, a week earlier, Palestinian author Susan Abulhawa was called an extremist by Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz at the Boston Book Festival after she presented well-established facts about Palestine. He resorted to name calling and ad hominem attacks.

Israel and India are often represented in US media as bastions of democracy in the Middle East and South Asia, respectively. Supporters of the policies of both governments delegitimize any resistance or criticism and discourage revelation of the truth through intimidation and personal attacks.

Kashmir is the most militarized zone in the world with close to 700,000 Indian troops. According to Professor Angana Chatterji of the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), between the years of 1989 and 2000, "In Kashmir, 70,000 are dead, over 8,000 have been disappeared and 250,000 have been displaced ... India's military governance penetrates every facet of life. ... The hyper-presence of militarization forms a graphic shroud over Kashmir: detention and interrogation centers, army cantonments, abandoned buildings, bullet holes, bunkers and watchtowers, detour signs, deserted public squares, armed personnel, counter-insurgents and vehicular and electronic espionage" ("Kashmir: A Time For Freedom," Greater Kashmir, 25 September 2010).

Because she has spoken out, Chatterji has become a target of right-wing Hindutva groups -- those espousing an exclusivist Hindu nationalist ideology in India that often denigrates and denies the legitimacy of non-Hindus in India. Hindutva groups in the US and India have attacked her because of her work tracking funding to Hindutva groups from the US after the 2002 pogrom of Muslims in Gujarat and more recently as co-conveyer of the International People's Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Indian-administered Kashmir. Chatterji told me: "I was threatened with rape by Hindutva groups in 2005. Since announcing the Kashmir Tribunal in April 2008, each time I have entered or left India since, I have been stopped or detained at immigration." Richard Shapiro, her partner and chair and associate professor at CIIS, was banned from entering India on 1 November 2010.

Hindutva groups try to scuttle any broader discussion about human rights violations in Kashmir, the conditional annexation by India in 1947 or right to self-determination by limiting it to the issue of the displacement and killings of the upper caste minority Kashmiri Hindu Pandits in the late 1980s and by insisting that Kashmir is not an international issue.

Similarly, Zionists seeking to draw attention away from Israel's abuses of Palestinians' human rights often focus exclusively on suicide bombings or the rule of Hamas. Their aim is to silence any discussion of the historic Palestinian demands for the implementation of the refugees' right of return, an end to the military occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and equality for Palestinian citizens in Israel.

And the front line in the battle to influence US public opinion towards both the Kashmir and Palestine struggles can be found at the university campus.

"There is a well-orchestrated and funded campaign of intimidation and harassment by Zionist and Hindutva groups on campuses to target academics," says Sunaina Maira, Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis campus. Zionist academics tried to pressure the University of California, Berkeley to cancel an event last month titled "What Can American Academia Do to Realize Justice for Palestinians," organized by the Students for Justice in Palestine. In a letter to the school's chancellor, the groups urged him to withdraw official university sponsorship of the event and publicly condemn the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israeli apartheid at the school's campus.

A similar attempt was made in 2006 by Indian American members of AIPAC, the powerful pro-Israel lobby, when they tried to cancel a panel titled "South Asian-Arab solidarity against Israeli apartheid" at Stanford University. The objective was to bring South Asians and Arabs together to take a unified stand against US imperialism and Israeli apartheid and speak up against the Zionist-Hindutva alliances. Despite the attempts by outside groups to stifle free speech, both these events eventually did take place on the campuses and were quite successful.

The attempts to silence those who speak out in the US are not the only thing that Kashmir and Palestine have in common. Both Kashmiris and Palestinians are struggling for justice and freedom against highly-militarized occupations. The recent protests by stone-throwing Kashmiri youth drew comparisons to the first intifada in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.

And it is perhaps the linking of these struggles that those who stand in the way of freedom for oppressed peoples fear the most. Notably, Zionists and Hindutva advocates have adopted a similar Islamophobic language and worldview that considers any grievances or struggles by Muslims to be simply a cover for "jihadism" or "wahhabism" and thus justifies treating all such movements for justice -- however they are conducted -- as "terrorist."

While the situations in Kashmir and Palestine are not completely analogous, in recent years India and Israel have fostered political and military links, including arms sales, joint intelligence, trade agreements and cultural exchanges.

Historically India has been supportive of the Palestinian struggle. But in 1992 India established diplomatic relations with Israel and ties were further strengthened in 2000 when India Home Minister L.K. Advani visited Israel; Advani is considered the architect of the rise of the Hindutva movement in the 1980s and '90s. Today India is the largest buyer of Israel's arms and Israel is training Indian military units in "counter-terrorist" tactics and urban warfare to be used against Kashmiris and resistance groups in northeast and central India.

The repressive governments of both India and Israel enjoy a warm relationship with the the US. Bilateral defense ties between US and India -- based on the new strategic realities of Asia -- is one of the objectives of US President Barack Obama's current visit to India, according to the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR), a Washington-based think tank. The US also gives $3 billion in military aid to Israel annually.

Such alliances between states, which aim to perpetuate injustice and maintain regimes that are rejected by those forced to live under them, underscore the need for education and solidarity among supporters of those long denied their freedom, equality and self-determination.

Those in the US who defend the status quo may resort to tactics of intimidation. But just as state repression in Kashmir and Palestine has failed to quell those struggles for freedom, those of us in the US concerned with justice in Palestine and Kashmir -- and the US government's role in each -- will not be intimidated into silence.

About the Author : Yasmin Qureshi is a San Francisco Bay Area professional and human rights activist involved in social justice movements in South Asia and Palestine. Her article on Kashmir, "Democracy Under the Barrel of a Gun," was published in June 2010 by CounterPunch and ZCommunications.

Medicinal plants for sale in India, Kashmir & Pakistan

Plants for Future

We are one of the premier registered Agriculture, Horticulture & Floriculture based institution involved in production, development, introduction, trading and manufacturing exporting of RAW HERBS, FRUITS, SPICES, Plant Leaves,  Fruit, Medicinal Plants, Vegetable seeds from  Kashmir.

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Chenab Industries

Ist Street, Shaheed-e-Azeemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR J&K 192121

Mailing address: PO Box 667 Srinagar SGR J&K- 190001

Ph: 01933-223705

Call us: 09858986794

e.mail: iirc@rediffmail.com

web: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com

Kashmiri Journalist filed a Case against Government for the denial of Passport.

Johan Simith

Srinagar, Oct 6: Jammu and Kashmir High Court (HC) has issued notices to State Government, Police and Secretary, Union Home Affairs and Regional Passport Officer (RPO) on a petition filed by Ajaz Ahmad War, a journalist by profession, seeking direction to respondents to issue passport to him.

A single bench of the High Court, comprising Justice Hussnain Masoodi today directed the respondents to file objections with two weeks against the petition.

Mr War, in the petition filed by his lawyer M. Aijaz today, alleged that he has applied for an International passport on February 27, 2008 and deposited Rs 1000.

 He said after the issuance of the passport was delayed abnormally he made a representation to the Chief Minister who directed the Additional Director General of police, CID, for immediate action as per existing policy and also to intimate the action taken in the matter.

The petition alleged that nothing happened in the matter as a consequence thereof he approached different authorities and also asked for a report under RTI Act.

 The petition said that the CID department in its reply to Chief Minister on January 9, this year alleged that Mr Aijaz was brother of Hilal Ahmad War, Chairman of the Peoples Political Party (PPP) and Jameel Ahmad War, a pro-freedom leader .CID department has written in its reply that Jameel Ahmad War is the close associate of Syed Ali Shah Gilani and Syed Salahuddin which is one of the reasons of the denial of passport to Ajaz Ahmad War.

 The department declared him a threat to security and warned that separatists may use his visit for anti national activities.

However, the department said that he himself was not involved in any anti national activities. Finally the Public Information Officer, Police headquarter communicated to the petitioner through a letter that as per the existing guidelines the issuance of passport to the petitioner is denied.

However, the petitioner approached the First Appellate Authority by virtue of a representation that in the light of the norms guidelines issued by the Chief Minister that if a relation of an applicant is involved in any anti-social or anti-national activity and the applicant is not directly involved cannot be denied the passport.

The appellate Authority acceded to the request of the applicant and communicated to IGP, CID, to consider my case for the issue of passport. However, the IGP CID declined to clear the name of the petitioner for issuance of the passport.

Mr War prayed for direction to concerned authorities for issuance of passport to him. The notices were accepted by Additional Solicitor General of  India on behalf of secretary union home affairs and RPO, Srinagar and Additional Advocate General for state government, IGP, CID and Senior Superintendent of Police headquarters. (Writer-South Asia)

Pay Rs 1.73 crore income tax, Ali Shah Geelani told

Srinagar, Nov 3: Kashmir’s hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has been asked to file Rs 1.73 crore in tax dues over a period when he had not filed his returns after rejecting his appeal. Geelani’s spokesman said that they do not know the details of the notice and came to know about it through media, reports PNS (3/11)

PTI reported that IT sleuths, which had swooped on residences of Geelani and his family members in 2002 and seized valuable items, including a diamond-studded watch gifted by Pakistan Government, had raised a tax demand of over Rs 1.5 crore.

Geelani challenged the demand and approached the Commissioner of Income Tax (appeals) for review of the case and also sought a waiver, saying he did not earn anything other than the pension from Government of Jammu and Kashmir and from agriculture land.

The case dragged on for nearly three years and recently the appeal was dismissed after which he was asked to deposit Rs 1.73 crore as tax liabilities by end of 2010.

A spokesman of Geelani told The Pioneer that even our lawyer has not received any notice after filing appeal in the relevant court. “We will comment on the issue on Thursday”, he said. Geelani, who has been legislator for 15 years, has stopped receiving pension after mounting public pressure and his opponents.

Geelani, who heads the breakaway faction of the Hurriyat Conference, still has the option to go to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT). The Tax Department had raised the demand of Rs 1.73 crore against the firebrand

Jamaat-e-Islami leader after giving him ample opportunities to furnish answers to a questionnaire about his sources of income.

The questionnaire followed an assessment of Geelani’s wealth by the department following a series of raids conducted at his house and other places in June 2002 during Farooq Abdullah’s regime. His journalist son Iftikhar Gilani was also arrested from Delhi but later exonerated from all charges. Other persons arrested during the raids were also subsequently released.

The department had raided Geelani’s house and other places of his kin on June 9, 2002 and seized Rs 10.2 lakh and US $10,000 in cash, vouchers showing purchase of substantial amount of jewellery, a diamond-encrusted watch inscribed with “From Pakistan Government” besides documents pertaining to purchase of property and vehicles.

Geelani had shown an annual income of Rs 17,100 - Rs 7,100 as pension from the State Assembly as a former MLA and Rs 10,000 as agriculture income.

However, according to the assessment made by the Income Tax Department, the monthly expenditure of Geelani allegedly ranged from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh as he had 15 servants at his house and his wife had confirmed that she used to get Rs 25,000 per month for kitchen expenses.

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) seeds/berries, plants for sale

Saw palmetto is a native of california. It grows wild in the Dalmatian region of Yugoslavia. It is cultivated in Yugoslavia, Italy, Albania, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, England, Canada and USA.In Kashmir, it is sparingly cultivated in Gilgat, Muzaffarabad. In india good quality saw palmetto  plants, berries/seeds, supplements are available

Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens as mentioned, is a topical palm like small plant in North America. will extract from fruit or berries of the saw palmetto is derived, and the berries, while itself strongly with fatty acids (lauric acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid enriched) polysaccharides) and phytosterols (plant sterols. It is extracted largely as an aphrodisiac for men and Women sold. aphrodisiac is an agent that is used in the belief that it increases sexual desire. Uses of Saw Palmetto Saw Palmetto has also been used to a wide range of conditions, including the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to treated, a condition characterized by enlarged prostate, urinary tract other problems, skin diseases, thyroid defeciences, genitals, impotence, improve hormonal disorders, cystitis, etc.

Among other advantages, also taken to the skin can be revitalize, urine flow in the breast enlargement men, women and pulmonary congestion due to cough, asthma and bronchitis. Role of saw palmetto in preventing hair loss recently, it was widely accepted as a very effective treatment, herbal hair loss reverse and treatment of diseases such as alopecia. It is one of the best hair loss treatment available today Organina considered. scientific evidence that Saw Palmetto inhibits the conversion of organic substances testosterone into DHT and prevents DHT from the addition bind to the androgen receptor thus a better control of hair loss in men. For the role of DHT in Palmetto hair loss because of its improved to prevent substantial understanding of the causes. It helps and hair follicles revitalize hair strength, volume and shine, scalp, making it less susceptible to stress and anger. So, if you for safe products for hair loss saw palmetto seeks an option you should consider first . Even if it does not help hair sudden outpouring known, but when taken over a period of time, would surely prevent it, hair loss and extend atleast situation where many people can go to the surgical option, as the transplant to restore her crown better. Taking it out on some vitamins and minerals. Are there any side effects associated with use of Saw Palmetto? There are no known side effects and documented with the use of Saw Palmetto associated both externally and internally However, if you have any concerns have on its always best to consult your doctor. How saw palmetto used for ? internal lies:

The recommended dosage for saw palmetto between 160 mg / day to 320 mg / day, when taken orally. Ext: Saw palmetto can be used as an oil extract or ointment that can be gently massaged into the purchase are hair roots. Since its lipophilic components in nature, they are in the oil extracted base and are easily absorbed through the skin, making an even more productive. to leave If wash before hair, applied at least half an hour (1-2 hours to absorb better). For better heat absorption in hot water or in the microwave (50-10 seconds) before use. Preferably, it should be applied at night before bedtime and left overnight, the better results through better absorption.

Saw palmetto is now a popular and effective treatment for prostate enlargement in men but has it’s origins in natural medicine as a breast enlarger and is still recommended today by naturopathic physicians for increasing breast size. It is also used as an aphrodesiac, for the treatment of impotence in men, and for inhibited sexual desire in women. Saw palmetto has been used for centuries. Native Americans, dating back to pre-Mayan civilizations, used the berries for food and medicine and particularly for breast disorders in women. Early American botanists noted that animals who were fed with these berries grew sleek and robust, experienced restored sexual vigor and improved muscle tone. Saw palmetto is useful as a nutritive tonic, supporting the function of a healthy appetite and smooth digestion. Saw palmetto berry also tones the urethra, and it may be used to uphold the healthy function of the thyroid gland and urinary system. This remarkable herb has no side effects or drug interactions. It’s breast enhancing effects stem from phyto-nutrients that stimulate breast tissue, increasing health and size. To call saw palmetto a “man’s herb” is a disservice to it’s healthy benefits for both sexes.

Cultivation details : Choose a location that has dry, well draining soil. The soil must be high in quartz and fine grained. The Saw Palmetto grows best in high heat yet also survives in short frosts. The tree grows well in shade or sun.

Plan on planting the seeds after the summer rains. Saturated soils can retard early growth and flooding can prevent root establishment.

Soak the seeds in warm water for at least 24 hours. Soaking enhances the germination process and helps the seeds sprout quicker.

Plant the seeds in the ground just below the surface. Often times the seeds pass through animal digestive systems and take root when the palm is out in the wilderness exposed to wildlife.

Water the newly planted seeds regularly, but not too much as they are a very drought tolerant plant. It grows well in dry ground. Shoots emerge from the seeds 30 to 60 days after planting, but optimal germination is observed up to 6 months.

Qty: 50,100,200,500 seeds/ pkt

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) seeds are available at:

Chenab Industries

Ist Street, Shaheed-e-Azeemat Road, Nambalbal, Pampore PPR J&K 192121

Mailing address: PO Box 667 Srinagar SGR J&K- 190001

Ph: 01933-223705

Call us: 09858986794

e.mail: iirc@rediffmail.com, cikashmir@gmail.com

web link: http://chenabindustries.blogspot.com/2010/11/saw-palmetto-serenoa-repens.html