Writer-South Asia

Wild flowers of Kashmir

2012-02-06T22:32:00.001+05:00

The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC, is a pioneer institution to start cultivation of important indigenous medicinal plants and introduce many from other parts of the world. A preliminary study on cultivation of medicinal plants in Jammu and Kashmir was from this institution. Subsequently lot of work on cultivation and improvement was done on selected plants by different scientists and a consolidated account on cultivation and utilization of these plants was published (Sheikh GULZAAR, 2002 & 2007).

Availability of Seed/Planting material for research purpose only

(The following seeds and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for Research institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

Angelica glauca

Anagallis arvensis

Abelmoschus moschatus

Acacia auriculaformis

Aconitum heterophyllum

Acrocarpus fraxinifolius

Aesculus hippocastanum

Amaranathus caudatus Linn

Anacardium occidentale

Anagallis arvensis

Andrographis paniculata

Angelica cashmeriana

Angelica glauca

Angelica-Corinne tremaine

Anthocephalus cadamba

Antirrhinum majas

Arachniodes davaliformis

Artabotrys odoratissimus

Artemisia absinthium

Artocarpus chaplasha

Artocarpus integrifolia

Asparagus officinalis

Barringtonia acutangula

Brassica rapa- Turnip

Broussonetia papyrifera

Butea monosperma

Buxus wallichiana

Caeselpinia pulcherrima

Cajanus cajan

Calendula officinalis

Callistemon vimminalis

Casuarina equisetifolia

Chickrassia tabularis

Chorisia speciosa

Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium

Cichorium intybus

Cinnamomum camphora

Clerodendron infortunatum

Crocus flavus

Crocus sativus Linn

Dendrocalamus strictus

Derris robusta

Descurainia sophia

Dianthus anatolicus

Dianthus caryophyllus Linn

Dichanthium annulatum

Digitalis lanata

Digitalis purpurea

Dillenia indica

Dioscorea deltoidea-Yam

Diospyros melanoxylon

Elaeo carpus granitrus

Euphorbia helioscopia

Elaeocarpus ganitrus

Embelia ribes

Emblica officinalis Linn

Enterolobium contortisiliquium

Eriobotrya japonica

Erythrina indica

Eucalyptus citriodora

Euphorbia helioscopia

Holarrhenna antidysentrica

Jacaranda mimmosifolia

Koelreuteria paniculata

Lavandulla officinalis

Lavatera cashmeriana

Lawsonia alba

Lawsonia inermis

Leucaena leucocephala

Linum usitatissimum

Litchi chinensis

Livistona chinensis

Livistona jenkinsiana

Lycium barbarum

Lavandula officinalis

Magnolia grandiflora

Mallotus philippinensis

Malus bacatta

Malva sylvestris Linn

Millingtonia hortensis

Mimosa pudica

Mimusops elengi

Mitragyana parvifolia

Nigella sativa- Kalonji

Nyctanthes arbortristis

Peltophorum africanum

Plantago ovata-Ispaghul

Platanus orientalis

Platanus orientalis-Chinar

Podophyllum hexandrum

Polyalthia longifolia

Pterocarpus marsupium

Pterocarpus santalinus

Pterocarpus dalbergioides

Pterospermum acerfolium

Rheum emodi Revand chini

Rhododendron arboreum

Rosmarinus officinalis

Semecarpus anacardium

Swietenia macrophylla

Terminalia myriocarpa

Thespesia populnea

Thevetia nerifolia

Thuja orientalis

Thunbergia grandiflora

Toona ciliata

Trewia nudiflora

Typha angustata-Typha

Ziziphus jujuba-Indian Jojoba

ABOUT OUR SEEDS

The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC specialises in seeds and plants that are the backbone of organic and permaculture systems. These include a wide range of open-pollinated, heirloom medicinal, fruit, herbal, vegetable seeds, rare edibles, living mulches, green manures and insectary plants for beneficial insects.

SEED QUALITY

We specialise in high quality seed with a guaranteed viability and purity and so we appreciate very much when gardeners let us if know they have an occasional problem with seed germination. This allows us to further improve our growing information and triggers additional germination testing to pinpoint any problems. Germination testing is carried out on a regular basis to check that the viability of seed is being maintained throughout the year.

OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS/Non-hybrid

Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future.

SEED SAVING

Saving open-pollinated (OP) seeds protects our global food heritage.Growing open pollinated seeds and saving some for next year's crop is a practical and economical option for home gardeners.

HEIRLOOM SEEDS

Most of our open-pollinated seeds are also considered heirloom or heritage seed. These are herb, flower and vegetable varieties that were bred and handed down by generations of gardeners and farmers. These varieties have stood the test of time, gardeners have saved them year after year because they were recognised for their superior qualities such as great flavour, good yield or disease resistance.

SEED PACKING

Our seeds are packed in simple plain paper, 90 mm x 145 mm, re-sealable packets with an inner cliplock plastic bag that is also resealable. Our intention is to avoid as much as possible glossy paper and full-colour printing due to its greater environmental impact. The paper packets can be composted. The inner cliplock bag helps greatly to maintain the seed's viability as it resists moisture far better than just a paper packet alone. Each Packet contains 50-100 seeds.

GROWING INFORMATION

Seed packets are printed with detailed growing information to help you with successful seed raising. In addition a free leaflet Successful Seed Raising Guide is provided with each seed purchase.

SEED TREATMENT

Please be aware that much of the seed retailed in South Asia is chemically treated with fungicides. The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre does not use chemical treatments, our organic solution to weevils is diatomaceous earth, the grey, powdery coating on some of our seeds. Sometimes a hot water seed treatment is worthwhile if you have been having persistent disease problems.

Effective 01/02/2012 / Due to the volatility of shortages in the seed markets, Prices can change on a semi daily bases. Please place your order we will notify you of higher or lower prices on your purchase date.

For more details:-

Sheikh GULZAAR

Head

The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre

POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

R&D division : Sonamarag (Kashmir)

Ph: (Resi) 01933-223705

Mob: 09858986794

e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Medicinal Plants of Kashmir and Ladakh : Temperate and Cold Arid

2011-12-31T19:33:00.001+05:00

Details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre Srinagar is responsible for development of hundreds of well known medicinal/fruit/ornamental plants. JKMPIC one of the premier institution involved in production, development, introduction, & manufacturing of Medicinal, Fruit, Ornamental Plants and seeds.

Availability of Seed/Planting material

(The following seeds and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for growers, institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

(A)

Aesculus hippocastanum

Achillea millefolium

Actinidia deliciosa

Aconitum heterophyllum

Abies pindrow

Abroma augusta

Abrus precatorius

Acacia arabica

Acacia auriculaformis

Acacia melanoxylon

Acrocarpus fraxinifolius

Anacardium occidentale

Andrographis paniculata

Anogeisus latifolia

Anogeisus pendula

Anona squamosa

Anthocephalus cadamba

Antigonon leptopus var alba

Artabotrys odoratissimus

Artocarpus chaplasha

Artocarpus integrifolia

Atropa belladona

Asparagus racemosus

Azadirachta indica

Balanites roxburghii

Bambusa arundinacea

Barringtonia acutangula

Broussonetia papyrifera

Butea monosperma

Buxus wallichiana

Crataegus oxyacantha

Caeselpinia pulcherrima

Callistemon vimminalis

Casuarina equisetifolia

Chickrassia tabularis

Cinnamomum camphora

Clerodendron infortunatum

Dendrocalamus strictus

Derris robusta

Dichanthium annulatum

Dillenia indica

Diospyros melanoxylon

Enterolobium contortisiliquium

Erythrina indica

Eucalyptus citriodora

Holarrhenna antidysentrica

Hyoscyamus niger

Hippophae rhamnoides

Indigofera tinctoria

Ipomea palmate

Jacaranda mimmosifolia

Juglans regia

Jatropha curcas

Kigelia pinnata

Koelreuteria paniculata

Kydia calycina

Lavatera cashmeriana

Lagerstroemia flos-regina

Lantana camara

Lawsonia alba

Leucaena leucocephala

Litchi chinensis

Livistona chinensis

Livistona jenkinsiana

Magnolia grandiflora

Mallotus philippinensis

Millingtonia hortensis

Mimosa pudica

Mimusops elengi

Mitragyana parvifolia

Nyctanthes arbortristis

Oroxylum indicum

Ougeinia dalbergioides

Peltophorum africanum

Polyalthia longifolia

Podophyllum hexandrum

Pongamia Pinnata

Prosopis cineraria

Psidium guajva

Pterocarpus dalbergioides

Pterocarpus marsupium

Pterocarpus santalinus

Pterospermum acerfolium

Rhododendron arboreum

Sea Buckthorn

Semecarpus anacardium

Swietenia macrophylla

Terminalia myriocarpa

Thespesia populnea

Thevetia nerifolia

Thunbergia grandiflora

ABOUT OUR SEEDS

SEED QUALITY

OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS/Non-hybrid

SEED SAVING

Saving open-pollinated (OP) seeds protects our global food heritage.Growing open pollinated seeds and saving some for next year's crop is a practical and economical option for home gardeners.

HEIRLOOM SEEDS

SEED PACKING

GROWING INFORMATION

Seed packets are printed with detailed growing information to help you with successful seed raising. In addition a free leaflet Successful Seed Raising Guide is provided with each seed purchase. Or you can read more

SEED TREATMENT

For more details:-

Sheikh GULZAAR

Head

The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre

POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

R&D division : Sonamarag (Kashmir)

Ph: (Resi) 01933-223705

Mob: 09858986794

e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com

home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

No part of this organization website may be reproduced without permission of the owner.

Sage-Salvia officinalis seeds for sale

2011-11-23T21:17:00.001+05:00

Sage-Salvia officinalis
Family        : Labiatae
Hindi          : Salvia, Sefakus
Malayalam : Salvi tulasi
Cahmerian : Green leaf
Bengali       : Bui tulasi
Panjabi       : Sathi
Arabic        : Mayameeah
Chineese     : Shu wei cao
Czech         : Salvej
Dutch         : Salie
French       : Sauge
German      : Salbei
Italian         : Salvia
Spanish       :Salvia

Sage is a native of Mediterranean area. It grows wild in the Dalmatian region of Yugoslavia. It is cultivated in Kashmir, Yugoslavia, Italy, Albania, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, England, Canada and USA.

Chemical constituents : Volatile oil, resin, tannin and a bitter principle. The oil is composed of camphore, salvene, cineol and pinene. The fresh leaves provide appreciable amounts of vitamin A and C.

Medicinal use of Sage : Sage has a very long history of effective medicinal use and is an important domestic herbal remedy for disorders of the digestive system. Its antiseptic qualities make it an effective gargle for the mouth where it can heal sore throats, ulcers etc. The leaves applied to an aching tooth will often relieve the pain. The whole herb is antihydrotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, galactofuge, stimulant, tonic and vasodilator. Sage is also used internally in the treatment of excessive lactation, night sweats, excessive salivation (as in Parkinson's disease), profuse perspiration (as in TB), anxiety, depression, female sterility and menopausal problems. Many herbalists believe that the purple-leafed forms of this species are more potent medicinally. This remedy should not be prescribed to pregnant women or to people who have epileptic fits. The plant is toxic in excess or when taken for extended periods - though the toxic dose is very large. Externally, it is used to treat insect bites, skin, throat, mouth and gum infections and vaginal discharge. The leaves are best harvested before the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use. The essential oil from the plant is used in small doses to remove heavy collections of mucous from the respiratory organs and mixed in embrocations for treating rheumatism. In larger doses, however, it can cause epileptic fits, giddiness etc. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Tonic".

Other uses : Sage is one of the most popular expensive herbs in culinary preparations in the west. It helps counteract the harmful richness of foods like pork, goose, duck and oily fish. It also combines well with dairy foods, bean and pea soups. Dried and powdered leaves are mixed with cooked vegetables and sprinkled on cheese dishes. fresh sage leaves are used in salads and sandwiches.

Description of the plant:
Plant : Evergreen Shrub
Height : 60-120 cm (2/4 feet)
Flovering : June to August
Scent : Scented Shrub

Habitat of the herb : Dry banks and stony places, usually in limestone areas and often where there is very little soil.

Edible parts of Sage : Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked. A very common herb, the strongly aromatic leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked foods. They are an aid to digestion and so are often used with heavy, oily foods. They impart a sausage-like flavour to savoury dishes. The young leaves and flowers can be eaten raw, boiled, pickled or used in sandwiches. The flowers can also be sprinkled on salads to add colour and fragrance. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, it is said to improve the digestion. An essential oil obtained from the plant is used commercially to flavour ice cream, sweets, baked goods etc.

Other uses of the herb : The leaves make excellent tooth cleaners, simply rub the top side of the leaf over the teeth and gums. The purple-leafed form of sage has tougher leaves and is better for cleaning the teeth. The leaves have antiseptic properties and can heal diseased gums. An essential oil from the leaves is used in perfumery, hair shampoos (it is good for dark hair) and as a food flavouring. It is a very effective "fixer" in perfumes, and is also used to flavour toothpastes and is added to bio-activating cosmetics. The plant (the flowers?) is an alternative ingredient of "QR" herbal compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost. The growing or dried plant is said to repel insects, it is especially useful when grown amongst cabbages and carrots. It was formerly used as a strewing herb and has been burnt in rooms to fumigate them. A good dense ground cover plant for sunny positions, though it needs weeding for the first year or two. They are best spaced about 60cm apart each way.

Propagation of Sage : Seed - sow March/April or September in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year.

Sage-Salvia officinalis seeds
No: of seeds : 100/packet

Min. order: 20-30 packets
Available : January to December
Price: INR: 550/-US$12

More details: Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
(Via New Delhi-India)
Ph: 01933-223705, 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com, jkmpic@yahoo.in
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

I want justice. I want to see my son. I want him if he is alive, and if dead: Agya Kour

2011-11-16T09:09:00.001+05:00

By: Sheikh Gulzaar
Srinagar: Family of a youth is awaiting justice for the past 11 years, demanding the whereabouts of their son, they say, was picked up by Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Ichpal’s mother, Agya Kour, said her son left home on March 20, 1999 to get sugar from market, but never returned. “All I remember is that the incident took place one year after the Chittisingpora massacre,” she said, adding, “My son was on way to the market when the SOG picked him up. Since then, I have been moving from pillar to post for justice. I want my son.”

The family resides at Sanat Nagar on the city outskirts after migrating from Arina village in central Kashmir’s Budgam district. Ichpal, son of Karan Singh, was 13-year-old at the time of his arrest. “An SOG man would demand money from us after we sold a cow. But we refused,” she said.

In 2000, Kour said she filed a report about the case in police station, Saddar, and later moved the JK Human Rights Commission in 2001 when police did nothing. In its judgment in 2003, the Commission recommended to the government that an amount of Rs 1 lakh be paid to Kour as ex-gratia relief and sent the order to chief secretary for implementation. “The Government shall inform the Commission about its action within one month,” the JKHRC said.

The 2-page report mentioned that the boy’s antecedents were “not shady” and the “police has not stated that he was involved in any anti-national or any illegal action.” Even the senior superintendent of police, Srinagar, in his report said that the youth was not involved in any militancy-related activity.

“The then government didn’t respect the JKHRC verdict. For three years, I was not given the ex-gratia even as I am very poor lady, working as peon and having an ailing husband,” Kour said.

The ex-gratia was sanctioned to Kour on 10 July, 2006, by the then deputy commissioner, Budgam. But, Kour said, the amount could not compensate her son’s loss. “I want justice. I want to see my son. I want him if he is alive, and if dead, I want the killers behind bars,” she told me .(Writer-South Asia)

Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s application for lodging FIR: J&K POLICE

2011-11-14T19:39:00.001+05:00

By: Sheikh Gulzaar :
Srinagar, November 14: In response to the statement of All Party Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, wherein he has stated that he has moved an application before the Jammu and Kashmir Police for lodgment of FIR against the alleged presence of an Army man in a rally addressed by him on 11th of November, 2011 at Sopore, it is stated that Syed Ali Shah Geelani has moved an application before Police Station Sopore, but he was told to produce the Pistol, identity card and the camera of the Army man, Ayaz Akbar the spokesman of APHC (G), has already briefed the media that the said Army man was caught by Geelani’s men and a Pistol was recovered from his possession besides an Identity Card of the Army Intelligence, which he has failed to produce before the police.

It is further stated that a FIR is already registered in this regard and Syed Ali Shah Geelani‘s application will form a part of this investigation and will be investigated fairly.

Moreover, it is really a encouraging gesture on the part of Syed Ali Shah Geelani that he has reposed his trust in the System and Police for their professional competence. (Writer-South Asia)

More details: http://facebook.com/writerasia

Ginkgo and Impotence

2011-11-10T17:02:00.001+05:00

Ginkgo biloba seeds

Ginkgo Biloba tree is a perennial tree that is native to China and Japan; it also now grows in some areas of Europe and North America. It stands about 100 foot tall; its leaves are fan-shaped with veins radiating from its stem base and produces small, round fruit that measure from 1 to 3 cm. The fruit contains an inner seed, which is reported to cause human poisoning when ingested.

The leaves of Ginkgo biloba are among the most extensively studied plant today. Unlike many other herbs, ginkgo leaves are not frequently used in their crude state, but in a concentrated, standardized ginkgo biloba extract, which is prepared from the dried green leaves. The standardized extract is highly concentrated and seems to be more effective in treating health problems than the non-standardized leaf alone. Ginkgo supplement is now one of the best selling herbal remedy in Europe and United States.

Active components of Ginkgo biloba: There are more than 40 components identified from ginkgo biloba tree but there are only two active components that are responsible for its beneficial effects. These components include;

Flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin both have powerful antioxidant effects. Studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels and retina from damage.

Terpenoids such as ginkgolides improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.

Health Benefits:
Stimulates and tones the brain. Ginkgo possessed many excellent properties among which are that of stimulating circulation, particularly in the brain. Because of the increases circulation and oxygenation of the brain cells, produced by the extract from ginkgo leaves, this plant has given excellent results for combating diseases related to the brain.

Embolism. Normally a region of the brain stops to function in the case of an embolism. Therefore, a more generous supply of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area is necessary in order for the nerves cells to recuperate efficiently.

Increase memory and mental concentration. Students and professional take ginkgo biloba daily to increase their mental abilities, whether for work or study because of its effectiveness on increasing memory and mental power.

Senility and Alzheimer's disease. Several studies have found that ginkgo may be as effective as the leading AD medications, a number of studies conclude that the daily consumption of Ginkgo biloba extract produces a considerable increase in memory and in the activity of neurons in the brain. There are study conducted in n 40 patients between 60 and 80 years of age. Twenty of them were given a placebo. After 3 months, the researchers reported that the patients who took Ginkgo demonstrated more concentration and much higher levels of mental activity than those who did not receive Ginkgo. Other research has demonstrated that the percentage of nerve transmission in the neurons increases significantly. In addition, ginkgo is sometimes used preventively because it may delay the onset of AD in someone who is at risk for this type of dementia.

Headache (Migraine). Study was conducted in persons suffering from migraine headaches; improvement was noted in 80% of those who took ginkgo biloba. The reason for the alleviation in migraine sufferers may be due to effect on the arteries by the active ingredients of plant.

Asthma. Ginkgo can help in the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis; this is due to the effects of ginkgolides, active ingredients of Ginkgo that helps alleviate bronchial constriction. Doctors have observed a reduction in severe asthma as well as in frequency of attacks in persons who take ginkgo as supplement.

Intermittent Claudication (pain caused by inadequate blood flow to the legs). People with intermittent claudication have difficulty walking without suffering extreme pain. In fact, ginkgo has been shown to be as effective as a leading medication in improving pain-free walking distance. However, regular walking exercises are more beneficial than ginkgo in improving walking distance.

Prevent hearing problem. Loss of Hearing does not only affect the old people, nowadays people even in their teens have hearing problems (due to excessive noise). A study done in 1979 reveals that the hearing organs are highly sensitive to a lack of oxygen. Ginkgo biloba has proven to be an excellent stimulant for circulation and therefore, oxygenation of the hearing organs, thus resulting in improved hearing for those having suffered from hearing loss. Expert suggest that by taking 160mg of extract per day for one to three months has produced 40 to 80 percent improvement in individuals who suffers from hearing problems.

Impotence. Ginkgo biloba can help impotence by improving circulation and therefore dilating the vessels, which in turn facilitates the necessary blood flow for obtaining sexual virility.

High Blood Pressure. Ginkgo causes the vessels to dilate which allows a greater quantity of blood to circulate. As a consequence, this action brings about the lowering of the blood pressure.

Menopausal symptoms. Study found that a standardized ginkgo extract may reduce the side effects of menopause such as osteoporosis. Several human studies have reported that a standardized ginkgo extract has estrogenic activity and might be suitable as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy which has many reported negative side effects.

Varicose Veins and Phlebitis. Ginkgo biloba is also beneficial in the treatment of poor circulation in the legs and hands (cold legs and hands), as well as in other parts of the body where circulation is deficient.

Other Benefits: Ginkgo supplement may also help in other ailments including, chronic fatigue, altitude sickness, vertigo, multiple sclerosis (MS), and eye problems (retinal damage).

Dosage: A regular doses is 40mg of Ginkgo biloba extract per day.

Market Form: Ginkgo biloba is available in standardized extract, capsules, tablets, liquid extracts (tincture) and tea.

Possible Interactions: Ginkgo may alter the effectiveness of some prescription and non-prescription medications. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use ginkgo without first talking to your health care provider:

Anticonvulsant medications - high doses of ginkgo can decrease the effectiveness of anticonvulsant therapy in controlling seizures.

Antihypertensive medications - ginkgo may decrease blood pressure, therefore use of ginkgo along with prescription antihypertensive medications should be monitored by a health care provider

Blood-thinning medications - ginkgo has blood-thinning properties and therefore should not be used if you are taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicine.

Blood sugar lowering medications - ginkgo was reported to increase insulin levels in healthy individuals and to decrease insulin levels in diabetic patients.

Precautions: Herbal remedy is may be the safest treatment and prevention to all ailments, but some herbs may contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, and only under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Ginkgo biloba extract is considered safe, and side effects are rare. In a few cases, gastrointestinal upset, headaches, skin reactions, and dizziness were reported.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using ginkgo preparations.

Ginkgo use should be discontinued at least 36 hours prior to surgery due to the risk of bleeding complications.
Do not ingest Ginkgo biloba fruit or seed, because there has been a report of human poisoning from ingesting the seed.

Ginkgo biloba seed/Plants/Tea for available at:

The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre

POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001

Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

More details about Ginkgo suplements: http://len7288.hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Ginkgo-Biloba

Kunan-Poshpora gang rape

2011-11-07T08:44:00.001+05:00

Kashmir Human Rights asks Govt to reinvestigate Kunan-Poshpora gang rape case

Srinagar, Nov 6: : The JK Human Rights Commission (JKHRC) Wednesday asked the State government to start a fresh probe into the case relating to the alleged mass gang rape of women by army personnel in Kunan and Poshpora villages of Kupwara district 20 ago.

Announcing its recommendations on the case, a division bench of JKHRC asked the state government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to reinvestigate the alleged mass gang rape of at least 31 women by army personnel in 1991.

Dozens of women from Kunan and Poshpora villages, around 110 km from here, had claimed that they were gang raped by army troopers during the intervening night of February 23 and 24 in 1991, leading to outrage across Kashmir.

"The SIT should be headed by an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police," the bench comprising JKHRC Chairman Justice (retd) Syed Bashiruddin Ahmad and Javaid Kawoos said.

It also asked the state government to prosecute the the then Director Prosecution who had sought closure of the case as the perpetrators were "untraceable".

"The then Director Prosecution had overstepped his brief...prosecution proceedings should be initiated against him and those officers who had approved his report," the JKHRC bench recommended.

Reading out from the report of the then district magistrate, Kawoos said 31 women, who claimed to have been victims of gangrape, had been sent for medical examination, which confirmed that they were subjected to atrocities.

"In the course of hearing the case, statements of 18 women were recorded and during which they testified that they were subjected to the atrocity," he said.

The Commission asked the state government to pay compensation of Rs two lakh each to the victims of the incident.

The then Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Wajahat Habibullah, who visited the villages following the allegations, had filed a confidential report in the same year about the incident.

"While the veracity of the complaint is highly doubtful, it still needs to be determined why such complaint was made at all. The people of the village are simple folk and by the army's own admission have been generally helpful and even careful of security of the army's officers," a part of Habibullah's report, released later, read.

"Unlike Brig Sharma, I found many of the village women genuinely angry... It is recommended that the level of investigation be upgraded to that of a gazetted police officer," it said.

In response to the criticism of the government's handling of the investigation, the army had requested the Press Council of India to investigate the incident.

The Press Council team, which visited Kashmir in June that year, claimed that "such a delayed medical examination proves nothing" and that the medical findings were typical among villagers.

The team concluded that the charges against the army were "well-concocted bundle of fabricated lies" and "a massive hoax orchestrated by militant groups and their sympathisers and mentors in Kashmir and abroad".

India will Fail in Kashmir as U.S. in Afghanistan: Imran Khan

2011-11-05T21:18:00.001+05:00

Buy Goji berry

Lahore: It was a real show of power from the cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan who with his 100,000 flag-waving supporters rallying near the Minar-e-Pakistan monument, saw himself establishing as a real force in Pakistani politics, reports SiliconIndia (31/2011)

Talking up the issue of the rights of Kashmiris at the heavily electrified political rally, he said the Indian Army will fail in Kashmir as the U.S. army did in Afghanistan. "Did the Americans succeed in Afghanistan? Is the Indian Army more powerful than the U.S. Army? When the Americans couldn't succeed, how can you succeed with 700,000 troops that are involved in excesses?," he asks as the crowd cheered.

"No army has been able to solve any country's problems at any time," he said demanding that the Indian troops should be withdrawn from Jammu and Kashmir. The chief of Tehreek-e-Insaf also asked Hindustan to give the people of Kashmir their right to self-determination. He said his party would "stand with the Kashmiri brothers and speak for their rights at all forums".

Khan who founded his political party 15 years ago is trying hard to translate his fame into votes. Focusing on the core issues in the country such as corruption, lack of education, rising prices, inflation and unemployment, the cricketing legend is expanding his political base ahead of the 2013 general election. A poll conducted by the U.S.-based Pew Research Center back in June sees Khan as the most popular political figure in Pakistan.

Can you see the tears in his eyes?

2011-10-18T20:18:00.001+05:00

A Kashmiri boys with the photo of his missing Father who was picked up by Indian army from the house and never returned.

Kashmir: pre-53

2011-10-03T19:52:00.001+05:00

Photo: International Info.Res. Centre

Modi fast; Bypassing Congress Muslims; J&K: maintain pre-1953 status

The Milli Gazette
Published Online: Oct 02, 2011

Narendra Modi’s fast has two clear implications, first either his is genuine change of heart towards Muslims falling short of saying sorry for 2002.Two,he is trying to show that he was sensitive to their needs so that he can easily mount the Delhi throne. It is ironical that a Muslim baiter now desperately needs them to project his benign image. If Modi means what he says, then it may be a watershed in Hindu Muslim relations and communal tensions can be a thing of the past. If he becomes the prime minister and reverts to being a poster boy of Hindutva, then god saves Muslims. So there are two basic requirements that ModI should satisfy. First he should stand tall over Sangh Parivar and make them see reason. Two, he should atone for 2002 by offering apologies and by generously compensating the victims. However, international implications of Modi becoming India’s prime minister should not be lost site of. Imagine the leader of a major country delivering an address on human rights in the UN General Assembly but having a terrible record of mass murders. If that PM is Modi then it can be devastatingly embarrassing for India.
Yunus Chitwala
adilchita[@]yahoo.in

II
The Supreme Court’s order over the petition filed by the widow of former MP Ehsan Jaffery, who was killed in the Gulberg Society carnage, is being deliberately misinterpreted by the BJP as a clean chit to Narendra Modi. The way a few electronic news channels went gaga inferring the verdict as a reprieve to Mr.Modi is appalling. Some media houses have gone a step further to portend Mr.Modi as a fit case for the BJP’s future Prime Ministerial candidate. One must remember that, the Supreme court had taken a sympathetic view over Ms.Jaffery’s petition filed in the year 2006 and directed the SIT to probe the alleged complicity of Mr.Narendra Modi and others in the post Godhra riots. Again, the Supreme Court appointed amicus curiae in the Gulberg Society case, to investigate independently on the complaint filed by Zakia Jaffery. What is disappointing however, is that the apex court, by asking the SIT to submit its final report in the magistrate court, has pushed the matter back to square one, conforming to the adage “justice delayed is justice denied”.
Sultan Mohiuddin
sultan_awaz[@]yahoo.co.in

III
It is alarming to read that Narendra Modi will be BJP`s prime ministerial candidate for the next Lok Sabha elections in 2014. It is time for all Muslims to unite and vote en-block to one party at the centre. At state level they can choose any secular party of their choice but at the centre if all do not give vote to one party then he will sure to become the Prime Minister and turn every state into a Gujarat State. So even though Muslims could not get much congress they do not have any other choice for the lok sabha elections. For Modi `s thoughts please refer to RSS and VHP websites for their ideology. He is a Fascist and wishes to kill all non-hindus! Remember more than 10000 muslim men, women, and children were killed, raped and tortured in Gujarat. Remember Advani`s speeches, Remember Babri Masjid, Remember the riots the country had and the number of Muslims who were killed and tortured. The BJP will sure to show its true colours when it gets power at the centre. It will change the constitution, implement uniform cil code and exterminate Muslims. Let us not repeat the same mistakes of the past when Vajpai became the PM. This time their lives are at stake. No doubt Congress has kicked Muslims but BJP will sure to go for the Kill. So which is better? Kick or a kill?
Ahmed[@]gmail.com

IV
Mahatma Gandhi is father of nation but more than this identity, he was a personality who gave us the tools of non violence and sacrifice: “The Satyagrah”. We all know that Satyagrah is a tool to become inclined ourselves towards spiritualism, towards purity of soul and towards self control. But nowadays everybody can see that how some selfish people are misusing the name of Gandhi and his tool of Satyagrah. We all already know that how the same Gujrat, the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi, has become witnessed of violence and politics of hate. Some people destroyed the Gandhian values, integrity and harmony of society. Now the same people are trying to market their fast on the name of Satyagrah. This is absolutely objectionable because it is totally against with the concept and objective of Gandhian Satyagrah. The recent drama of Modi’s fast shows that politicians are ready to sell the values, only to make their personal benefits. This was not the time when there was any issue to observe the fast. Fast on the name of harmony by Modi Ji is itself a joke. Reality of Gujarat is known to everyone. Mere clean chit by court in lack of sufficient proof never mean that riots victims will forgive the accused persons. Why there were no fast observed after the riots?
Ravi Nitesh, New Delhi
ravinitesh]@[gmail.com

V
Guajrat Cheif Minister Narendra Modi was on fast for social harmony for three days during 17-19 September in Ahmedabad. Almost all the sections of the society took part knowingly or unknowingly, voluntarily or forcibly. The so called Muslim leaders and ordinary Muslims (mostly illiterate and paid) remained present at the venue. Mainstream media has highlighted only one side of the coin. Let us see the other side of the coin. Let us hear opinions and views of certain Muslims who came over to Ahmedabad from various parts of the Gujarat. (1) One of the participants from Rajkot said that they have been brought in Ahmedabad in A C bus and have been paid wages for one day by BJP. They do not know the purpose for which they have been brought to Ahmedabad. (2) One of the participants from Surat said that they have come over in Ahmedabad for picnic. They do not know what is going on here (3 ) One of the riot affected persons who came from Vadodara was not allowed to hand over his memorandum to CM . He said that those Muslims who came over here are “bikau” persons, who have not undergone pains of 2002 riots. We have seen our dear ones being killed and raped and are still waiting for justice. (4) Riot victims from Godhra called the Muslims attending CM’s fasting as rented and shameless Muslims.
Farooq Abdul Gaffar Bawani, Rajkot, India
mohammed.galeriya]@[yahoo.co.in

VI
The utter refusal of Mr.Narendra Modi to put on skull cap offered by so called cleric has only insulted Islam and exposed his game plan to resort all permutation and combination to realise his dream of becoming the next PM of India. It amply makes it clear that he has done so to get persuasion from the Hindu community and keep them united on communal ground. Of course, those clerics must think twice before attending the Programme. Modi wants to give a communal colour to accomplish his program.
Wakeel Ahmad, Gaya
wakeeldel]@[gmail.com

VII
In April this year Hazare had praised Modi’s development work in Gujarat, only to invite flak for overlooking the state’s poor law and order record under the chief minister. A month later, Hazare said he was dismayed by the level of corruption in the state saying, “When I went to Gujarat, I saw scams in the state and therefore decided to retract my earlier statement.” Now Anna Hazare should ask Modi to disclose to people how his sadbhavna show was financed.
Dr Mookhi Amir Ali, Santacruz West, Mumbai 400054
drmookhi]@[hotmail.com

VIII
N.R. Madhava Menon, the legal luminary, has said; don’t think for the common man a grievance is any different from an FIR [first information report]. A legend goes that when Lal Bahadur Shastri was the union railway minister and a major railway accident took place. Shastri, taking the moral responsibility for it, resigned forthwith. There was not even a hint of a suggestion from any source that he is directly or indirectly responsible for the accident. During the Sadbhaavna mission of Narendra Modi a journalist suggested to him if he would accept moral responsibility for the events of Gujarat 2002. Narendra Modi expressed outrage at such a suggestion. His counter question was, all the FIRs registered in connection with the 2002 riots, have you anywhere seen the name Modi? The very absence of an FIR filed against him is taken by the chief minister is taken by him as the evidence of his clean hands.
Dr Mookhi Amir Ali, Santacruz West, Mumbai 400054
drmookhi]@[hotmail.com

IX
The three-day fast for peace drama was staged by Modi only to divert public attention from his government avenging treatment with the brave IPS officers like Sanjiv Bhat who dared expose the reality about Gujarat governments? involvement in the 2002 riots. There are no two opinions that these officers are facing prosecution merely because they tried to bring before the world the truth that exposes the real face each time and again is tried to be made hidden behind the slogans of so-called inclusive and rapid progress by the Hindutva play boy. It is surprising that the person who shattered peace in Gujarat was on a mission to propagate peace and harmony among Indians.
A Hameed Yousuf, Ulsoor, Bangalore-08
ahameed12]@[gmail.com

X
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi ended his three day fast at the hands of all religious representatives at Ahmedabnad on Monday (19.09.11) evening. Syedna BURHANUDDIN SHAB THE HEAD OF DAWOODI BOHRA COMMUNITY deputed some ladies robed in Community Dress to greet Modiji for his successful fast(it is supposed that witout Raza of Syedna Saheb nothing is performed even meetin gof husband/wife is regulated by Raza) The Press captioned the group of ladies as representatives of Muslim Community.The question arises whether Muslim Community accept this representation on their behalf. As on the other hand Gujrat Cheif Minister Narendra Modi refused to put on “Skull Cap” offered by a muslim cleric during his three day Sadbhavana fast here. May I request The Ulemas of Deoband, Barelly and other Distinguished Accademic personalities to let know the Umma about the relations between Bohra community and Muslim at large. in the light of newspapers heading and caption published in various newspapers.Should we take the representation of Bohra ladies as representation of Muslim at large.
Salim Pasha
salim.pasha]@[yahoo.com

XI
Life is full of strange paradoxes. The best example is the fast taken by Narendra Modi for three days in the name of Sadbhavna (Harmony), to mark complete peace, unity and harmony. This came in the backdrop of the Supreme Court verdict which has asked the trial court to examine all the evidence and amicus curie’s report so that his culpability or otherwise in Gulbarg society case is decided. The SC order has directed the Special Investigation Team to file its final report into the allegations of Narendra Modi being the architect-in-chief of the 2002 Gujarat massacre. Ironically, this was interpreted by BJP as a clean chit to Modi. Which made Modi in turn took sigh of relief and pronounced, ‘God is great’. However, if God shows greatness to those families affected in riots, then what would Modi pronounce. Modi is trying to deflect all the criticism against him by saying that it is an insult to the six crore Gujaratis. This ploy may not work as a large number of citizens from Gujarat know that Modi may be the elected Chief Minister of Gujarat, but he is not the one who represents the essence of ‘Gujarat of Gandhi’ or Gujarat of dalits, Adivasis and Minorities. Modi has done his best to create an image of ‘man of development’, but the real credit goes to the policies which have supported the large corporate houses, who have got state loans at minimal rate of interest, while the fact is the farmers continued to commit suicide burdened by loans etc. It is remarkable that while ‘vibrant or shining Gujarat’ is projected, the ‘whining Gujarat’ is cleverly hidden from public vision. The claims of Harmony in Gujarat are far from true.
Mohd Ziyaullah Khan, Nagpur – 440013
writeziya]@[gmail.com

XII
Why there is a sign of repent at this time after a decade. Why not at the time of 2002? At that time, Modi was the Hitler of modern Gujarat who crossed all the brickbats of human civilization and become an ugly monster. Modi knows well after the verdict of Supreme Court he would certainly come for justice. He repented for his sins, which he committed earlier. His fast is nothing but purification before death. Mr. Modi in his open letter to the people of the Nation and Gujarat dedicated his fast to the society and basically aims for the unity, harmony and brotherhood. Mr. Modi trying to wiped out his sins merely on 3 days fast. Is it possible for the Muslims of Gujarat to forget the horrible communal riots? a. Do the Muslims of Gujarat forget the deaths of uncountable youths? b. Do the Muslims of Gujarat can forget the death of every member of the family? c. Do the Muslims of Gujarat forget the only bread earner of the family who lost his life in the communal riot? d. Do the Muslims of Gujarat forget the chastity of their sisters and daughters? e. Do the Muslims of Gujarat forget the worship places, which had been vandalised in the communal riots?
Zuber Ahmad Khan, Navi Mumbai
contact.z]@[rediffmail.com

Bypassing Congress Muslims
The Indian National Congress stands for secularism and has been fighting forces of Hindu communalism and Hindutva led by RSS and its political wing BJP. It is therefore both distressing shocking that the Chief Minister of Delhi had appointed a BJP man who was a prominent leader of “support Bajpai Committee” in the Lok Sabha elections of 2009 as Vice Chairman of Delhi Urdu Academy ignoring claims of several Congress Muslims who were quite competent to hold this post. By choosing a BJP man the chief minister has strengthened BJP. Similarly the Editor of an Delhi Urdu Daily who had offered unconditional apology to RSS for writing against it has been appointed as advisor on minority education by the Union Minister of HRD. One wished that the Chief Minister of Delhi and the HRD Minister had not patronized a BJP man and a man who had apologized to RSS.
Dr. M. Hashim Kidwai, Ex-MP, Mayur Vihar, Delhi-91

Honour killing or dishonour murder
In today’s Deccan Herald there is news of so called honour killing. It is not at all an honour killing rather a gruesome murder of a Muslim youth who had some affair with a caste Hindu girl. The lovers wanted to get married but the parents of the girl were not agreed for this marriage. They planed to kill the boy and killed. The love affair does not progress until and unless the girl gives lift to the boy. If the parents of the girl threatened and given some punishment the boy had forget the girl. But they kept till the affair matured and the duo took the decision to get married. At this stage the boy was killed mercilessly with out the fear of law. If you see the present state of affair hundred of Muslim girls are getting married with Hindu boys and visa versa. In the film industry we see high level actors and actresses are getting married also in big cities we can come across number of such examples. Amir Khan and Sharuhk Khan have married with caste Hindu girls. No ob-jection was made from any side. In the caste Hindus the marriages are late and difficult due to want of suitable bridegrooms the girls cannot wait many years and they select any good looking lad with good earning other caste’s boys and go for registered marriage.
Dr Maqdoomi, Hyderabad
drmaqdoomi]@[yahoo.com

Sky rocketing prices
On account of sky rocketing prices of essential commodities, the country today is facing a most formidable solution defying crisis which has made the life of the common man extremely miserable. On this account the congress and its leaders who are committed to the welfare of the common man are rightly very much perturbed. But they should not feel depressed as the past history tells us how a similar crisis which had also similar huge proportions had been successfully solved by one of its most popular and legendary leader Rafi Ahmad Kidwai. During the 50s the country had to face the food problem and in those days it had to face the worst food situation. The target of self-sufficiency had totally failed and there was a cut in rations by one/third on account of food grain shortage. Semifamine conditions prevailed through out the country. Black-marketing and hoarding were responsible for worsening the situation. Kidwai who had been given the food portfolio not only successfully tided over the crisis but made the country self sufficient and over and above all this he proved to be a miracle man by converting the country into the land of plenty.
Dr. M. Hashim Kidwai, Ex-MP, Mayur Vihar, Delhi-91

Take a U-turn from nuclear energy
The tenth day of the anti-nuclear collective fast at Tamilnadu Koodamkulum has ended. Many of the fasters are in critical condition. The Tamilnadu CM Jaylalitha is rightly in panic. Unfortunately what she has done is passing the buck to the centre. The centre in its usual feet-dragging fashion sent an emissary to ?diate? with the people. The protesting people expect much more from Jaylalitha. They want her to use her power as the state CM to defy the centre and halt the work at the power plant till the fears of the populace are allayed. This is an opportunity for Jaylalitha to take up the mantle of an anti nuclear activist. In the days when the whole world is in the process of rethinking the nuclear option our government is going full steam ahead with Mithi Virdi nuclear power plant in Gujarat, Jaitapur in Maharashtra, Chutke in MP, Kevada in AP, Fatihabad in Haryana, Koodamkulum in Tamilnadu. While Indian government is in the process of dotting the entire Indian landscape with NPPs [nuclear power plants]; the list of the countries abandoning the nuclear energy is lengthening.
Dr Mookhi Amir Ali, Santacruz West, Mumbai 400054
drmookhi]@[hotmail.com

Taliban fury
After Ahmad Wali Karzai, Burhanuddin Rabbani’s assassination in the high profile green zone is yet another clever tactic of Taliban to negate peacekeeping or any interlocution with the current government. The question is for how long the indoctrinating and self counselling terms like, he is the martyr of peace, etc, will continue in hostile war zones like Afghanistan and does calling anybody a martyr after his murder, justify government’s responsibility of lacking basic security system round the state ? The current bleak Afghan scenario, on one hand, speaks of the failure of NATO forces and America’s war on terror and reflects of the revenge for the west’s moral travesties and its unwanted and forcible interference in the sensitive zone and on the other it speaks of the contemporary Afghanistan security institution, which is going from bad to worse. Why are Taliban killing everyone coming in their path, whether a peace advocate or a pro-Afghan government person and what they exactly want to convey to the state apparatus, still remains to be explored and analysed in a right perspective. It also speaks of the government’s basic misunderstanding and myopic vision about the Taliban psyche and myth of the highly claimed peace process. Seeing the circumstances, there is no use of establishing peace counsels at this odd moment but an unconditional dialogue with Taliban, and a political will to reach to a basic consensus with the extremist ideologies like that of Taliban, by finding a middle path to be followed for the future. This can work on the ground level otherwise open murders and continuous terror fury will continue impoverishing afghan society of its basic identity, social, cultural, economic and educational progress. Also seeing the pathetic prospect of Afghan Diaspora, craving for the peace in their home land, there is need of a serious political will to solve the basic issues and start a willful negotiation with Taliban, to curb such a horrible state of affairs.
Adfar Rashid Shah, JMI, New Delhi
adfer.syed]@[gmail.com

PM’s tour of America no gain but loss
Our Indian diplomats should understand the purpose of Manmohan Singh’s tour of United States. It is nothing but US diplomacy to make a contract of some sophisticated defence weapons from US in the backdrop. Chinese boarder intervention and getting advance 300 Km area in the Indian Territory. India might have contacted US to get US support against China. US will warn China subject to the condition of purchase of certain antimissiles or other costly weapons worth of billions of dollars. In the fear of China’s further advancement in our territory our PM will agree to the Arms deal and will make the advance payment .The talk in the general assembly and against US policy is just to misguide the people
Dr Maqdoomi, Hyderabad
maqdoomi]@[yahoo.com

Veerappa Moily is calling for a national debate on the scope of the Right to information act. It is his contention that the information which Subramanian Swamy obtained was on the opinion of one minister on a matter on which two ministers may disagree. This, in his view, happens during the course of decision making and need not come into public domain. Moily must note that the matter on which Pranab Mukjerjee opined was not the merit or demerit of how the spectrum should be allotted. Pranab or his office has opined, quite categorically, on the action or inaction of P Chidambaram which altered the course of a particular decision so enormously. Subramanian Swamy understands the concept of “argumentative India” like anybody else. What he is trying to put the finger on is the culpability of the finance minister.
Dr Mookhi Amir Ali,
Sushma, Dadabhai Rd., Santacruz West,
Mumbai 400054
drmookhi[@]hotmail.com

GDP growth?
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, while addressing the United Nations General Assembly, said that ‘a fast-growing India can expand the boundaries of global economy. Despite global financial crunch India is growing at close to 8 per cent’. What does it mean to aam admi in India, at a time when corruption has penetrated into veins of our country weakening its socio-political fabric? A majority of people do not know and even do not want to know what the GDP and economic growth is. Having seen the usual queue of beggars at Delhi’s historical Jama Masjid and child labour at India Gate, the grade card of 8 per cent GDP growth holds little or no relevance.
Shafaque Alam
New Delhi
shafaquealam[@]gmail.com

J&K: maintain pre-1953 status
Implement the recommendations of Interlocutors with immediate effect and maintained the status prior to 1953. New Delhi should grant Autonomy / independence to the Kashmir, so that the Kashmiris don’t have to depend on anybody. They can live with honour and resources. Any further delay in decision-making in favour of Kashmiris could be disastrous for both Kashmiris and India. The Kashmiris do have the efficient leadership, resources and the capacity to govern their own nation in a peaceful manner. Nothing will go wrong if Indian Government provided absolute autonomy or maintained the status before 1953 to Jammu & Kashmir, as suggested by the Interlocutors for the state of Jammu and Kashmir. As the same was in practiced in the state prior 1953. However, after a series of constitutional amendments diluted the state autonomy and gives Authority to the centre on the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Zuber Ahmad Khan, Navi Mumbai
contact.z[@]rediffmail.com

LAWMAKERS GRIEVED GRAVES

2011-10-03T19:39:00.001+05:00

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 was just a routine day of business in the history of state assembly. The issue of unmarked graves dominated Day 2 of the brief autumn session. Just how did the lawmakers grieve over the anonymous graves that dot the troubled state’s landscape?

House resumes at 10:00 hours and Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone finds Ms Mehbooba Mufti and other PDP lawmakers on their toes. She started impressing upon the chair that their adjournment motion be accepted because the unmarked graves report of SHRC is highly sensitive. For the last one and a half months, she said, nobody in our country opened his mouth on this issue. These graves are not in Africa. Unlike British parliament, our parliament did not discuss it. There are 3000 graves, she said.

Lone says he is equally concerned as son of the soil but is bound by the House rules. “Heavens would not fall if you suspend the routine business and permit the discussion,” Ms Mufti said. “Let this house send a message out that it is concerned.”

The argument for rules and their suspension went on. Molvi Iftikhar Ansari, Muzaffar Hussain Beig, Javed Mustafa Mir, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat and many others intervened. The Speaker stuck to his guns. In between there were heated exchanges. Some lawmakers from Jammu even suggested a separate PDP-NC house. At one point of time, the Speaker suggested to Ms Mufti that “we all are equally blamed for whatever has happened and you (read PDP) can not escape unscathed.” In the end, the question hour was almost over and the Speaker finally ruled: “I reject it.” The PDP brigade walks out, never to return for the day.

The House takes up the short duration discussion at around 12:15 hours. Mir Saifullah, one of NCs best debating lawmakers, starts his speech. The official gallery is empty. State Police Chief, Chief Secretary, Additional DG, Home Commissioner – all are out. Almost all the ministers are out, probably clearing files or busy in meetings in their allotted rooms in the House building. The opposition is now restricted to BJP and Panthers Party.

“Had Kashmir issue been solved, we might have not been counting the graves now,” Mir started. He talks of UN resolutions, agreements between India and Pakistan and finally picks up the threads of turmoil from 1989. From Hawal massacre he moves to Handwara and then offers certain specific instances of those gone missing. “There is no place where there is no graveyard,” he said and mentions Master Ali Mohamad, Wali Mir, Roug Shah and a young bridegroom who was blown to death and whose family got just a few kilograms of his body.

He talks about some specific killings that took place during the earlier PDP government. Mir sees a hope in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and talks between India and Pakistan. In between there is a verbal duel between BJP’s Ashok Khjuria and NC Kafil-Ur-Rehman. As Mir starts concluding his almost 40 minutes long speech, Chief Minister, Law and Finance Ministers are back on their benches, so is an officer in the official gallery.

Congress’s Ashok Kumar takes over. “There is requirement of reconciliation and rehabilitation,” the lawmaker says. He says the issue of unmarked graves is humanitarian and not political. He wants a commission to look into it. NC’s Aijaz Ahmad Jan talks about Master Mumtz of his area who was detained and is missing with an enquiry still on. Insisting that there were such graveyards in his area as well and demands chief minister to announce a commission so that people get justice.

Congress’s Mohammad Sharief Niyaz said TRC should happen. He wants a holistic view of the issue that should take care of the people who have gone across and settled on the other side of the LoC. There are skeletons being recovered from forests. “There is requirement for a complete investigation from all angles,” he said.

It was Kafil-Ur-Rehman, NC’s Karnah MLA who stunned the house. “In our area there are so many gorges where there are many hundred skeletons,” he said. It was his reference to the two brothers who went out and never came back when he mentioned again: “There is a gorge that is 1000 ft deep and people have seen crows hovering around there.”

He says the “un-natural division” has led to a series of massacres in his area – 5000 people in one snowstorm and 4000 people in the wars of 1965 and 1971 and 6000 others who led in shelling for all these years. “But some people have taken the contract of exploiting the issues,” he said and ended by reciting the famous couplet about a victims plight of where he will trace his killer because the assassin has used the hand-glouse!!

Nazir Gurezi who represents another border belt talks about Mufti Sayeed’s appointment by Jogmohan who, he alleged, spearheaded massacres in Kashmir. Then he bashes Ms Mufti for praising Modi. He mentions the killing of six persons by Mufti’s guards and finally ends with the suggestion of a commission that will take care of things from 1990.

Panthers Party’s Harsh Dev Singh while expressing concern over the issue of unmarked mass graves said that the matter should be probed properly and truth must come out. “It seems we are playing politics over dead bodies,” he said. “It is a grave issue and we should see the other side of the picture as well.”

BJP’s Ashok Khajuria expressed concern and raised the issue of Kashmiri pundits who , he alleged, were brutally killed by the militants. He specially mentions Sarla Bhat, who, according to him was killed on a band saw. His speech was interrupted by many lawmakers from the treasury benches. “If you can listen from barrister Mehmood Choudhary, why cannot you listen to me,” Khajuria said. “You people are fed by India and you conspire against her.”

It was the turn of the chief minister Omar Abdullah to wind up the debate. He started with the attack on opposition, which he believes is raking up issues for scoring political points. “These graves belong to 1990-2006 era and we could have easily said that we are not contributors to it so we are not responsible but we cannot say that,” he said.

Omar talked about a “disinformation and misinformation” campaign that gives an impression as if Kashmir is Cambodia or Nazi Germany. Almost reprimanding his party men for ‘mixing up many issues’ and ‘creating problems’ by generating a wrong impression, Omar said there were no mass graves. He made a particular reference to Kafil-Ur-Rehman, a lawmaker from border area of Karnah. “You better go and inform the SHRC,” an angry Omar told Rehman when the latter started explaining his utterances.

“Let me make it clear there are no mass graves,” Omar said. “There are graves carrying one body each though in a few there are more than one body which have been buried as per the Islamic rites.” He said these are unmarked graves and that is not very different from whatever happens in the periphery where people usually avoid having tombstones.

Hundreds of people, Omar said, having gone across the LoC for training have settled there and the state government with MHA is making efforts to get the willing ones back. He maintained that a large number of disappeared persons are living normal lives across the border but they still exist as disappeared persons here. He said there might have been a number of persons who might have been killed in the training camp mishaps, which is normal even in regular military training academies.

Omar said every killing cannot be attributed to the security forces. Recently, some surrendered Hizb militants led the security forces to a forest where they had killed and buried two civilians and they were there for the last seven years. “We are holding security forces responsible for everything and we are condemning them well before they are proven guilty,” he asserted.

It was at the peak of his speech that chief minister reiterated that the recommendations made by the SHRC investigation on the unmarked graves issue would be implemented. The government cannot suppress the truth. “Families having their persons missing should go and lodge an FIR with our human right cell and deposit their DNA samples,” Omar said. “The families would have to help us indicating in which graveyard they suspect their member could be buried so that we will do the needful.” He, however, insisted that this cannot happen overnight.

Already, he said, work had started correlating the FIRs registered with the police with the graves. He termed the task difficult because there are many conflicting numbers about graves in circulation. He referred to Poonch where 2500 such graves are reported to exist. Police records suggest the security forces have killed 2136 militants in that area of whom 2090 are foreigners. “They are buried there but they are foreign militants,” Omar said.

He referred to the recent instance in Gurez where seven of the 14 militants, whose names are not known, where buried. “Right now, we know who are buried in Gurez but after 20 years these could become other unmarked graves,” he asserted. Militants from 12 countries, Omar said, including Russia, Chechnya, Sudan, Pakistan, Britain and Afghanistan have been killed in encounters in J&K and their graves do exist here.

Putting the death toll of civilians in the state since 1990 at 17000, Omar said the people have a right to seek answers about their loved ones. “There would be some uncomfortable questions but we have to respond to them,” Omar said.

On the utopian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Omar said it is possible only if India and Pakistan cooperate. “We need to know how many youth who had gone for training were killed while handling arms,” Omar said asking if Islamabad can ever offer details. “They pushed their regulars into Kargil and when they were killed they never identified them. How can they help in giving us these details now?”
For more details:

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Unmarked graves result of impunity enjoyed by forces under AFSPA: Prashant Bhushan

2011-10-01T16:09:00.001+05:00

SRINAGAR, October 1: Calling for DNA profiling in the anonymous/unmarked graves, senior Supreme Court lawyer and influential core member of team Anna, Prashant Bhushan Friday said unbridled impunity to forces under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has led to thousands of such graves across the State, ISHFAQ TANTRY reports in Rissing Kashmir (30/10/2011)

“Primarily, I was here to appear in 1996 Baderwah civilian killing case, which was listed before High Court today. This is one of the case which indicates how large number of persons were killed in Kashmir over the years by forces”, Prashant Bhushan, a leading Supreme Court lawyer, said while addressing a press conference, here today.

He said in the particular (Baderwah killing case) involving death of three persons in a fake encounter, the charge sheet was filed but subsequent trial ended in acquittal of the main accused because the initial investigation had loopholes.

Linking the Baderwah fake encounter case with discovery of unmarked and unknown graves in Kashmir, Bhushan said if the fourth person in the case, Talib Hussain, who escaped from clutches of the accused would have been killed, all the three persons would have been buried in an anonymous or unknown grave somewhere.

“That is why we say that anonymous grave issue, as reported by the SHRC in its investigation, is important to be probed. The DNA profiling should be done and it should be matched with the DNA profiles of the missing persons, whose list is available with APDP,” he said.

He said Baderwah case is one such case, which can be re-investigated and perpetrators, howsoever influential, be brought to the book. “Because of the impunity enjoyed by armed forces under special powers like AFSPA, such crime are repeated time and again”.

Linking impunity of troops under special powers with mass anonymous graves, team Anna member said this cycle of impunity needs to be broken. “It will be broken only when we can provide justice to victims by bringing culprits, howsoever big or influential they may be, to book. For this reason, we are demanding that AFSPA should be removed and DNA profiling of victims in unmarked graves be carried out,” he said.

About Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq proposal to seek support of team Anna on mass grave issue, Bhushan said the matter is under consideration.“ I am here in my individual capacity. But the proposal is before the core group and I hope it will be considered soon”, he said.

He, however, dismissed the proposal of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to setting up Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to probe issues like unmarked graves. “It (TRC) won’t serve any purpose. TRC has its uses but it cannot be a complete substitute for booking persons involved in heinous crimes. Here (in Kashmir) we are dealing with accountability of forces who have committed heinous crimes,” he said.

The SC lawyer linked the mass graves issue with unresolved nature of Kashmir issue. “The longer the Kashmir issue festers, the larger number of forces would operate in Kashmir and it would result in larger number of human rights abuses like existence of unmarked graves,” he said.

He said conditions should be created conducive for political solution to the Kashmir problem.
Baderwah Case hearing

Meanwhile, High Court Friday posted the writ petition seeking reinvestigation into 1996 fake encounter case for hearing on October 10.

“ The court will not proceed into the case till Advocate General causes his appearance”, Justice Hasnain Masoodi observed after the petitioner lawyer Prashant Bhushan pressed for issuing notices in the case and the recall of the case records.

The defence counsel also pleaded for reinvestigation of the case on the pattern of Best Bakery, Rubabudin and Zahira Sheikh cases wherein Supreme Court ordered reinvestigation and set up the Special Investigation Teams.

Earlier, senior additional Advocate General informed the court that the office of the Advocate General has not received any notice for the assistance of AG in the case from the bench. “The AG’s office has no such information. Advocate General cannot appear in the case, as he has already boarded the plane,” he informed the court.

The families of Baderwah fake encounter victims, Fazal Hussain Dar, Fareed Hussain Dar and Mohammad Hussain Lone, who were killed in 1996, had on September 21, 2011 approached High Court with a petition seeking re-opening and reinvestigation of the case. (Writer-South Asia)

Medicinal trees and seeds for sale

2011-09-25T11:12:00.002+05:00

Goji berry seed/plant for sale

Availability of Seed/Planting material

(The following seeds and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for growers, institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

(A)

Aesculus hippocastanum

Achillea millefolium

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Holarrhenna antidysentrica

Hyoscyamus niger

Indigofera tinctoria

Ipomea palmate

Jacaranda mimmosifolia

Juglans regia

Jatropha curcas

Kigelia pinnata

Koelreuteria paniculata

Kydia calycina

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Lagerstroemia flos-regina

Lantana camara

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Leucaena leucocephala

Litchi chinensis

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Saving open-pollinated (OP) seeds protects our global food heritage.Growing open pollinated seeds and saving some for next year's crop is a practical and economical option for home gardeners.

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Dal Khalsa salutes Kashmiri youth who are sacrificing their lives facing state repression

2011-09-24T08:20:00.002+05:00

Amritsar : In a significant gesture, the Dal Khalsa saluted the spirit and steadfastness of Kashmiri youth who were sacrificing their lives while facing the state repression in the valley since last 2 yearss.

The party head Harcharnjit Singh, general secretary Dr Manjinder Singh and spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh in a statement said they were moved by the sufferings of the Kashmiri people that were striving for their rights and freedom. “By facing the bullets and batons of security forces with brave hearts, the Kashmiris have shown to the world that they prefer death to slavery”. They urged the Sikh community residing in Kashmir to donate blood to injured Kashmiris as a mark of solidarity with them.

They lauded the role of Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for displaying leadership qualities and skills in this hour of crisis.

As India has failed to protect the human rights and human dignity of Kashmiris, it was time for the United Nations to get involved,” the leaders demanded. They asked the UN secretary general to designate a high level human rights delegation to conduct independent investigations into the killings of scores of youths, mostly teenagers who have died in the hands of police and the CRPF since June 11.

Accusing the Indian government for using excessive force in Kashmir, they said security forces were firing indiscriminately on Kashmiri protestors and beating them to silence their voices.

The mothers and sisters of Kashmir were voluntarily sending their teenagers sons and brothers on protest programmes because they desire for freedom and justice and not political packages including development as was being conceived and portrayed by the mainstream leadership.

“New Delhi has flooded the valley with troops that were torturing protestors to death during detention”. They pointed out that hundreds of Kashmiri youth arrested in the crackdown remain unaccounted for.

Criticizing the detention of Hurriyat leaders including Shabir Shah, JKLF chairman Yasin Malik, High Court Bar Association chief Mian Qayoom booked under the stringent Public Safety Act, they asked for their early release along with hundreds of protestors.

Paradise on Fire: Violation of Human Rights in Kashmir – by Sanman Kaur Grewal

2011-09-24T08:14:00.002+05:00

Following armed hostilities in 1947-1949 between India and Pakistan and intervention by the international community, the region once known as the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir was divided. Commencing no later than October 1947, the Kashmir dispute has proved the most protracted territorial dispute in the United Nations era. An implacable, deadly struggle is going on half a world away in India’s mainly Muslim territory of Kashmir, where Indian military and Para-military forces are trying to crush forces seeking independence or union with Pakistan. Continuous conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is leading to violation of human rights, birth of rebels and destruction of peace in the name of unity and integrity of India.

Kashmir’s political status has been in dispute since partition of sub-continent on August 15, 1947. During British rule over India, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was one of more than 50 autonomous princely states owing allegiance to Britain. At the time of independence, the rulers were advised to join, by means of an instrument of accession, either of the two new dominations, India or Pakistan, bearing in mind their state’s geographical position and the religion of their inhabitants. In October 1947, prompted a local Muslim uprising that drew armed support from Pakistan, the Hindu Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir chose to place his mostly- Muslim subjects under the jurisdiction of India, and then called in Indian troops who recaptured most of his lost territory.

In January 1949, a United Nations-brokered cease-fire left Kashmir divided by a military cease-fire line (Line of Control) into the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan controlled Kashmir known as Azad Kashmir and the Northern Territories. . Shakti Bhatt states “Indian government has steadfastly held on to its official stand that Kashmir is undisputedly an integral part of India and Pakistan on the other hand blames India of acquiring it through fraud and violence“ (2003, p. 215). For past 60 years, Indian and Pakistani forces have continuously confronted each other over this tense cease-fire line, with their bitter rivalry exploding into war in 1965 and 1971 (Kargil war), and nearly providing the flashpoint for a third conflict in 2001 possibly involving nuclear weapons.

Although both sides contributed in spreading violence in Kashmir, but the violence caused by India’s military and the Para- military forces allied with them, is even more destructive and abhorrent. Unlike any other great democracy, Indian soldiers are not held to any higher state of conduct. In Kashmir, poorly trained military troops are torturing civilians by extra judicial killings, murders and rapes which is leading to spread of lawless state terrorism. It’s surprising that India still claims itself to be world’s largest democracy.

India’s human rights violations in Kashmir are systematic, deliberate, and officially sanctioned. India has never prosecuted even one of its 700,000 military and paramilitary personnel there for human right abuses, and its laws grant legal immunity for any actions aimed at suppressing Kashmiri dissent or support for self-determination. Information compiled by various human rights organizations like London based Amnesty International, New York-based Asia Watch and other humanitarian organizations establishes that a massive complain of brutal oppression has been launched by the Indian army since January 1990. Various estimates are given of the death toll of civilians so far. Making due allowance for unintended exaggerations, the figure into tens of thousands. Countless individuals had been maimed and thousands of women molested and assaulted. Not a word of condemnation has been uttered at the United Nations; not even a call on India to cease and desist from committing its atrocities.

The overwhelming presence of Indian military and paramilitary forces in Kashmir reminds Kashmiris that they are not free and are being enslaved by Indian forces. This feeling of being slave leads to the birth of rebels in the valley. These rebellions are no other than common people who are victim of continuous torture and abuse by the military and paramilitary forces of Indian government. These people are killed ruthlessly as the government recognizes them as terrorists, but government never wants to accept that it itself is responsible for the birth of rebels in the valley. It’s very natural that after tolerating continuous violation of human rights, one raises his voice to achieve his basic freedom. Usually targets of military shots are common people (shopkeepers, children, women, school going students, etc.) who had not even touched any weapon or something that would spread terror or any kind of violence. They are being shot and then left for bleeding, after their death they are being recognized as terrorists by the so-called democratic nation.

The following excerpt has been taken from the journal Pro and Con (2004, pp. 264-267). In 2003, President Parvez Musharraf addressed to the UN General Assembly “India cites cross-border terrorism in order to reject dialogue. It knows full well that the Kashmiri struggle is indigenous. It is India that violates international law by refusing to implement Security Council Resolutions and by perpetrating gross and consistent violations of human rights in Kashmir. Once again, I invite India to join Pakistan in a sustained dialogue to resolve the Kashmir dispute.” In reply to the president of Pakistan, Indian President Mr.Atal Bihari Vajpayee had nothing to say except “We totally refuse to let terrorism become a tool of blackmail. When the cross-border terrorism stops, or when we eradicate it, we can have a dialogue with Pakistan on the other issues between us.” This conversation clearly proves that India does not want to look at problems of Kashmir; instead, it just wants to keep hold on Kashmir forcibly forever.

The role of press in Kashmir is also an important topic in continuous dispute. The Indian press is a great reason behind the fact that inspite of high scale violations of human rights in Kashmir the public opinion remained silent up to large extent. In her book, Kashmir: A Tragedy of Errors, Tavleen Singh has gone so far as to state that the press was the main reason why the alienation of Kashmir began. There is no doubt in the fact that reporting fairly on Kashmir situation is really dangerous as the Indian government does not want to represent its true picture in front of the world. So press is just working like a slave for the government. This is the reason behind regular news on Kashmir just focus on death of military personnel or militants. No newspaper gives the account of death of ordinary people in the valley or rapes and murders.

A south Indian writer, Teresa Joseph (2000, pp. 53) states “Although human rights organizations, both national as well as international, and also other media sources have documented in detail gross human rights violations in Kashmir by both the militants and the security forces, the general reader does not get any such picture of the situation from the mainstream Indian press.” So it can be easily concluded that Indian press has never tried to figure out the true picture of Kashmir.

The issue of Kashmir is becoming more complicated day by day. Since 1989, around 1 lakh Kashmiri people have been killed in fake encounters and this number dwarfs the killings in Northern Ireland, Palestine, Bosnia, and Kossovo which have brought the world to tears and revulsion. Killings in Kashmir have become so commonplace that they are reported like car accidents in the United States. There is nobody to reprobate Indian government for making the beautiful Kashmir a hell. The most perplexing phenomenon regarding this situation is that it has been allowed to arise and persist in a territory which, under international law, does not belong to any member state of the United Nations and whose status is yet to be decided by the people of its land. It is interesting to note that when Kashmir issue erupted in 1947-48, the United States of America stated that future status of Kashmir will be decided by people of the territory but now while Kashmir is undergoing such a miserable condition, the United States is silent on this issue. Actually India declares itself the world’s most populous democracy and offers support to America in pursuing terrorists. In exchange, the United States remains silent when India kills innocent Kashmiris who crave self-determination and its achievement through peaceful protest.

If the silence persists, there would be only this explanation that a Kashmiri life is viewed as less worthy than other lives. Indian government has given complete rights to its military forces to kill or abuse people in Kashmir in whatever way they want to in order to suppress the movement for freedom. After killing the ordinary people, government states them as terrorists and there is nobody to investigate the causes and effects of conditions caused in Kashmir. As long as India continues to isolate Kashmir from the rest of the world, it will never end violent acts on that unfortunate land and restore the rights and freedom of the people of Kashmir. Brown and Davidson suggest that “The U.S. should recognize that the Kashmir dilemna is an instance in foreign policy in which there is a national interest, the diffusing of a potential nuclear war, and a humanitarian concern, ending the murders of civilians by atleast one side of the hostility” (1994, p. 2)

The following questions are on mind of every Kashmiri person: For how many years will children in Kashmir grow up in fear and shadow of guns of the security forces? When will they be allowed to play in kinder gardens freely as the normal children do? How many Kashmiri girls are still to be raped or molested before achieving freedom? What number of women is required to be widowed before living a peaceful life in Kashmir? Is there anybody who can answer the above questions? The Indian government seriously needs to think about the answer of above questions. The solution of sufferings of these sufferings is both urgent and vital. It is far more serious area than any other area in the world. For finding a right solution of problem, three parties need to interact with each other and create an environment of understanding among them. These three parties are the Government of India, the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Kashmir. Although, the most important party is the people of Kashmir as their decision will be a right decision for humanity and human freedom. The only thing that governments of India and Pakistan needs to forget is their self interests and try to make the life of people of Kashmir beautiful by giving them their fundamental rights and freedom for life.

More details: http://www.sikhsiyasat.net/2010/08/18/paradise-on-fire-violation-of-human-rights-in-kashmir-by-sanman-kaur-grewal/

Criminal Justice Department, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, U.S.A.

Human rights body demands probe on Kashmir mass graves

2011-09-16T19:43:00.002+05:00

Medicinal Plants/seed for sale

Srinagar: September 16: Jammu and Kashmir Human Rights Commission (JKHRC) today recommended investigation by an independent "representative structured" body empowered to probe all aspects of unmarked graves in the Valley.

"An independent duly representative structured body having due credibility and weight, fully empowered to go in (to) all questions (and) aspects regarding unmarked graves, disappeared persons ... be constituted and put in place in time," a division bench of the JKHRC said.

The bench, comprising Chairperson Justice (retd) Syed Bashiruddin Ahmad and Member Javaid A Kawoos, in its six-point recommendation sought DNA profiling of the bodies in the unmarked graves in a cluster of villages at various places in north Kashmir's Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara districts.

The investigative wing of the JKHRC, on the instructions of the bench, had earlier reported that more than 2,000 unmarked graves existed "beyond doubt" at 38 sites across north Kashmir.

"The bodies in unmarked graves...shall be identified by all available means and techniques like DNA profile, physical description, dental examination, distinctive medical characteristics, finger prints, carbon dating and forensic pathology (as may be applicable), so that even the identity of dead, in these unmarked graves is possible with the claimed disappeared persons," the bench said.

The bench also recommended prosecution of those found involved in the perpetration of "crime" including culpable homicide.

Meanwhile, the JKHRC took cognisance of an application filed by Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP), which claimed existence of over 3,844 unmarked graves at 208 sites in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu region

Human rights group makes startling disclosures on unmarked graves

2011-09-11T19:59:00.002+05:00

Rameez Makhdoomi/Ajaz Ahmad War/Sheikh Gulzaar

Srinagar : In a startling disclosure made by the International Forum for Justice/Human Rights Forum J&K, Mohammad Ahsan Untoo, Chairman, with reference to letter written to JK Human Rights Commission has disclosed with list that the Police Investigation Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Human Rights Commission (JKHRC) has only visited 38 graveyards across north Kashmir and found 2730 graves, out of which 2156 are still unidentified. But the fact of the matter according to this forum is that in Lolab area alone there are more than 38 graveyards which have unmarked graves and mass graves.

Another startling disclosure made by the International Forum for justice/ Human Rights Forum J&K is that the security agencies in the last 22 years have been responsible for killing many civilians in fake encounters. In Devar village of Lolab area, the said human rights forum states that they have documented 37 cases of fake encounter killings, where according to International forum for justice human rights j&k ,33 local civilians were killed in fake encounters and branded as foreign militants. Also 4 local Kashmiri militants from Devar have been killed in fake encounters and branded as foreign militant.

Another ground breaking disclosure made by this human rights group is that amongst the victims of fake encounter killings one of the striking cases is of Kareem War (65) S/O Aziz War R/O Dilbagh, Devar, Lolab, who was killed in a fake encounter by 18 Rashtriya Rifles (8 Sector – Cherkoot) and Special Operations Group of J&K Police and was branded as Afghani militant. Shockingly, three of his sons Baktiyar War (24), Mohammad Shareif War (21), Lateef Ahmed War (27) were also killed by the same agencies. Mohammad Shareif War was branded as Bangladeshi militant, Lateef War was branded as Pakistani militant and Baktiyar War was claimed as unidentified militant. Four members of this family have been killed in fake encounters and branded as nationals of 3 different countries. The father and his three sons who have been killed in the fake encounters, is not the only injustice which has happened to the family, but Kareem War’s other son Sharief ud Din War was disappeared by army in 1998. According to International forum for justice human rights forum J&K,the family members of Kareem War are still awaiting justice, even after truth has been established according to the information gathered by International Forum for justice human rights J&K.

The revelations made by this human rights group certainly are quiet sensational and will demand answers from those who are at helm of affairs.

Jatropha Seedlings for sale

2011-09-08T21:49:00.002+05:00

Jatropha curcas
Regional Syn : (E) Barbados nut, Physic nut, Purging nut (S) Kananaeranda (H) Jangli arandi/Danti (B) Bon-bheranda (G) Jamalgota, Nepalo (Pr) Dandenahri.
(Nepalese) Ajaya pal(Tamil) Amanaku (Kannada) Damti (Konkani) Baktumbo(Gujrati) Ratanjoot)
Part Used : Leaf, Rootbark, Seed, Juice, Oil.
Constituents : Seed; Oil, Sugar, Starch, Albumin, Caseine,
Inorganic matter. Oil; Jatrophic
acid, Curcin, Phytosterol.
Action/Uses : Seed; acronarcotic. Seed & Oil; purgative, internally & externally
depurative
& antiseptic. Leaf; lactagogue. Stem juice; haemostatic & styptic. Rootbark;
stomachic, astringent.
Used in; dyspepsia, diarrhoea, to cure bleeding, spongy gum, as poultice on boils.

The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre Srinagar is responsible for development of 50 well known Medicinal/Fruit/Ornamental plants. JKMPIC one of the premier institution involved in production, development, introduction, & manufacturing of Medicinal, Fruit, Ornamental Plants and seeds.

(The seeds and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for growers only)

The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre offers superior quality organic/open polinated fresh and dry jatropha seeds, Jatropha Curcas Seedlings for NGOs, Institutions, Universities, Farmers and Garden lovers spread across the nation. These quality jatropha seeds are the richest source for bio diesel fuel and are in high demand by our clients. We also meet customized requirement for our clients benefit.

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More details: JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC
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e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
Ph: 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794

Indian Media Directory

2011-09-02T08:09:00.005+05:00

Media Directory-2011 : Information of hundreds of News & Entertainment Satellite TV Channels from all over India. Details: Name of the TV Channel, Channel Logo, address, Email, website address, phone No, Fax No. etc.

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Indian Restaurants Database

2011-08-31T22:09:00.002+05:00

Database of Indian Restaurants in USA and U.K.: Classified information of Indian restaurants located in US, UK. Complete postal addresses of 3000+ of Restaurants.

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Ph: 01933-223705

Mob: 09858986794

e-mail: iirc@rediffmail.com

Ginkgo biloba Tea

2011-08-28T21:59:00.001+05:00

Properties : helps reduce blood hypertension, is lipid-lowering, enhances blood flow, diminshes damage to the brain cells due to oxygen shortage, blocks free radicals, improves memory.

Ginko biloba improves memory and brain function and helps to preserve general health and vitality. Research and clinical studies show promise for the use of Ginkgo biloba extracts for improving memory and helping with some of the symptoms of Alzheimers disease.

The remarkable effects of ginkgo biloba on brain function and circulation have made this venerable tree one of the most extensively studied and widely used botanicals in the world. Millions of Americans and Europeans now enjoy the benefits of ginkgo for memory, cognitive function, circulatory disorders, and conditions of the eyes and ears. No other known circulation enhancer, natural or synthetic, can increase blood flow not only to healthy areas of the brain, but also to areas already damaged by disease. In addition, ginkgo's powerful antioxidant effects have earned it an international reputation as an "anti-aging" herb among young and old alike.

Gingko Biloba has been used in TCM to improve the heart and lungs function, to relieve coughs, asthma, and allergic inflammations. Scientists think this function, along with a potential ability to dilate blood vessels, accounts for its record of use in treating asthma in China for thousands of years. Ginkgo biloba leaves extract has been shown to dilate blood vessels, and improve cognitive function. Ginkgo has been extensively researched for its possible benefits to the elderly. Studies indicate ginkgo has the ability to increase circulation which can lead to enhanced memory.Ginkgo is a powerful antioxidant and contributes to the oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging. Antioxidants also protect the eyes, cardiovascular system and central nervous system. It may also help control the transformation of cholesterol to plaque associated with the hardening of arteries.

Gingko biloba's beneficial effect on improving blood circulation may have positive benefits for sexual dysfunction. In one open clinical trial involving 60 patients having erectile dysfunction, 50% of the patients regained potency after six months of treatment with Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo is slow acting, taking four to eight weeks before benefits may be noticed. Improvements are gradual, but continue for up to a year or more.

Ginkgo and Cerebral Brain Disorder Research : In a multicenter, double-blind, Ginkgo versus placebo trial involving 166 patients, Ginkgo biloba extract is found to be effective against cerebral disorders due to aging 3 months after treatment and continued to increase during the following months. Taillandier J, Ammar A, Rabourdin JP, Ribeyre JP, Pichon J, Niddam S, Pierart H. Presse Med. 1986 Sep 25;15(31):1583-7. French.

Ginkgo improves Cognitive Function : Ginkgo biloba extract has been reputed to ameliorate cognitive decline in the elderly and slow cognitive deterioration in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Ginkgo remains as one of the most popular plant extracts to alleviate symptoms associated with a range of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and age-related amnesic conditions. Ginkgo is known to contain a range of chemically active components that have antagonistic effects on platelet-activating factor, free-radical scavenging activity (antioxidant) and direct effects on the cholinergic neurotransmitter system. In a 30-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 61 participants were administered with various neuropsychological tests before and after treatment. Statistical analysis indicated significant improvements in speed of information processing working memory and executive processing attributable to the Ginkgo Biloba Extract. Stough C, Clarke J, Lloyd J, Nathan PJ. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2001 Jun;4(2):131-4.

Ginkgo reduces oxidative free radicals in Alzheimer's disease : The role of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) in the free-radical oxidative-stress model of neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has received much attention recently. Treatment of the cells with Ginkgo biloba extract significantly reduce the levels of hydrogen peroxide related reactive oxygen species. Among the Ginkgo active components tested, kaempferol and quercetin provided maximum attenuation. Smith JV, Luo Y. J Alzheimers Dis. 2003 Aug;5(4):287-300.

Gingko reduces Leg Pain associated with Intermittent Claudication : Because of its effects on the circulatory system, ginkgo may also ease the leg pain that arises from intermittent claudication and similar disorders. One study even found that ginkgo performed as well as a leading prescription medication for treating intermittent claudication.

Ginkgo improves Antidepressant-induced Sexual Dysfunction : Ginkgo has also been used to treat impotence, especially when associated with antidepressant therapy. In an open trial ginkgo biloba was found to be 84% effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction predominantly caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, N = 63). Women (n = 33) were more responsive to the sexually enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba than men (N = 30), with relative success rates of 91% versus 76%. Ginkgo biloba generally had a positive effect on all 4 phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement (erection and lubrication), orgasm, and resolution (afterglow). Patients exhibited sexual dysfunction secondary to a variety of antidepressant medications including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), serotonin and nonrepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs), and tricyclics. Dosages of ginkgo biloba extract ranged from 60 mg qd to 120 mg bid (average = 209mg/d).

Ginkgo as Antioxidant : Ginkgo is an antioxidant, giving it the ability to help rid the body of free radicals and thus lessen the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Also due to the antioxidant activity of ginkgo, it may help treat macular degeneration and decrease the damaging effects of radiation, chemotherapy, and certain medications. Enhanced cell death and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a major role in aging. Several neurodegenerative diseases are associated with increased oxidative stress and cell death in neuronal tissue. Antioxidative treatment has neuro-protective effects. Mice were treated daily with 100 mg/kg Ginkgo Extract for two weeks showed significant reduction in ROS induced cell death.

Ginkgo biloba Indication : Symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate cerebrovascular insufficiency (demential syndrome in primary degenerative dementia, vascular dementia and mixed rorms of both) with the following symptoms:

memory deficit disturbance in concentration, depressive emotion condition, dizziness and headache, Improve pain-free walking distance in people with peripheral arterial occlusive disease, i.e. intermittent claudication, Raynaud's disease, acrocyanosis and post-phlebitis syndrome

Treatment of inner-ear disorders, i.e. tinnitus and vertigo of vascular and involutive origin

Ginkgo Supplement Health Benefits : Ginkgo biloba improves capillary circulation and acts as a blood thinner, which improves circulation to all of the tissues and organs such as the brain and heart.

Ginkgo biloba interferes with PAF (platelet activating factor) which has been shown to possibly cause asthma, heart disease, hearing disorders and skin disorders like psoriasis.

Ginkgo biloba helps stop the damage to our organs and tissues by free radicals. It is a good antioxidant and free radical scavenger.

How can I make tea from the leaves?

After picking the green leaves (late summer/early fall), shade-dry them on a screen, allowing good air circulation from the bottom and the top. Best condition is one that will dry the leaves quickly but not overheat them. Never dry leaves in the sun. To test that the leaves are thoroughly dried, "snap" a leaf stem to make sure.

You may also dry them in your microwave. Put some leaves between two paper towels and microwave for 60 seconds on high. If crisp, the leaves are dry, otherwise microwave further at 15 seconds intervals.

When the leaves are dried, put them in a paper bag inside a plastic bag, and store them in a cool, dark place - in a tinted glass jar is best.

Ginkgo plant/seed/leaf available in Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction centre

More details: jkmpic@gmail.com, jkmpic@yahoo.in
Ph: 9858986794, 01933-223705
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Good militants ensured smooth Amarnath Yatra: IG CRPF ‘Not A Single Stone Hurled During Pilgrimage Period’

2011-08-20T22:29:00.004+05:00

Srinagar, Aug 20: In disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Inspector General of Central Reserve of Police Force (Operations) Dr B N Ramesh Friday said good elements within the ranks of militants played their role in the conduct of smooth Amarnath Yatra this year.

“If there are good hearted militants they too played their role. They couldn’t create much disturbance this time, perhaps they too had intentions of not doing much this time,” he said addressing a news conference here.

Commending the locals for the smooth conduct of Yatra, Ramesh said not a single incident of stone-pelting was witnessed during the Yatra period this year.

“Not a single stone was hurled on CRPF or any other vehicle. Although they (youth) carried stones in their hands, but when we appealed they left stones and took decision by their heart and not mind,” he said, adding that prior to the pilgrimage CRPF build atmosphere for conducting smooth Yatra.

Replying to a query on whether CRPF had any plans to reduce the bunkers from the towns of the Valley on the pattern of Srinagar, he said that there are no permanent bunkers in Valley except in summer capital.

He said that the bunkers definitely cause inconvenience and are stumbling block to the return of normalcy, but added that concerned Superintendent of Police has to take decision on their removal.

When asked about the presence of dozens of bunkers in Sopore, Ramesh said that the Apple town is a special case requiring special measures.

“When Abbotabad episode took place on May 2, we were in the town given its sensitivity,” he said.
The CRPF operations chief asserted that they have achieved lot of success in anti-militancy operations during the past few weeks.

“There is our role also in surrender of Basharat commander of Pirpanchal range. We have also recovered cache of arms and ammunition from Pulwama and Tral,” he said.

Ramesh said CRPF would welcome the misguided youth who want to return back to the normal fold of life.”
If they want our assistance, we will assist them,” he said.

Claiming that the force has not committed a single act of human rights violation during the past ten months, Ramesh said that there are strict instructions from Union Home Secretary and Director General CRPF on their sector to safeguard rights.

He also added that they are also modifying rules for the recruitment of Kashmiri youth in CRPF.

Father of Jahad-e-Kashmir Sheikh Abdul Aziz

2011-08-20T21:51:00.002+05:00

FIRST PERSON

A March For History : August 11, 2008 will remain ingrained in Kashmir’s psyche, the day Kashmiris responded to the blatant economic blockade by right-wing Hindu nationalists in Jammu to break the resolve of a people. Showkat Nanda offers a first person account of how lakhs marched towards Muzzafarabad braving bullets.

The ‘other’ side never seemed so close before. For some, who had left home early that day, coming back didn’t really matter. To reach Muzzafarabad was a ‘matter of minutes’ only if they were given a safe passage. If not, they could face death and they knew it.

In Baramulla the journey began in trucks, buses, cars and motor bikes. Hundreds marched on foot too. Vehicles were honking. Everyone was celebrating. It was a truly popular rebellion, mobilizing the entire society to protest and build a parallel leadership - the leadership of the people. For the first time in my life, I could see people in control of their own destiny.

Women and children lined the sides of the road; some throwing food packets, water bottles, fruits and biscuits at the marchers, some praying for their safety and a few others trying to synchronize with the roaring slogans of Pindi Pindi, Rawalpindi.

A long serpentine line of about 1000 buses and trucks spread over almost five kilometers, driving through the mountainous terrain near Khadinyar, looked as if people were on a pilgrimage. Faces were jubilant, people were screaming with excitement overtaking each other impatiently.

The moment we took a the blind turn near Chahal, a small township nearly 20 kms from Baramulla, I could see a crowd of paramilitary soldiers sitting in a similar manner we would sit for a group photograph in our school- the first row resting on their bellies in a typical firing position, their guns pointing directly towards the anticipated marchers. The second row stood on one of their knees using the other one as a resting stand for their guns. The third line of soldiers confidently stood in a standing position as a backup, I suppose.

The road behind them had been dug deep with bulldozers making a big rectangular crater across it. A couple of huge tree trunks had also been placed across the road to prevent vehicles from going further.

The vehicles drove slowly towards the soldiers. People had absolutely no idea what was going to happen. Their sheer number had given them an unshakable confidence.

After all, from Sopore fruit Mandi to this village of Chahl, people had already dared half a dozen paramilitary camps, even braved bullets and cleared hundreds of meters of concertina wire spread at a distance of every five minutes as road blockades. As vehicles and marchers moved forward, a blast on a hill on left side of the highway created a huge ball of cloud ripping off the leaves from the trees. It looked like an IED blast that had already been planted by the forces apparently to intimidate the crowds.

Suddenly, teargas shells and gunfire rained into the crowd. A bus that was leading the huge procession got hit several times. People fell out of it and scrambled, crawling towards its tyres. They ran for cover amid a dense mixture of tear smoke and dust which almost blocked the sunlight making the whole atmosphere somber and ghostly.

Some climbed up the hill on the left side of the highway hoping to hide themselves behind huge pine and deodar trees while some others jumped off the road on the right side down the river banks. The atmosphere had turned foggy and there was anger everywhere. The drivers drove backwards but there was hardly anything they could do. It was too difficult to negotiate through an unimaginably long line of vehicles spread over almost five kilometers. They had already crossed the last turn and were straight into the firing line of the soldiers.

A few young men were trying to pull the wounded towards the bus that had already been targeted. People were screaming. Gunfire rattled on.

Inside the buses that stood behind the first one, frightened faces were pressed against the windows. They remained cuddled in their seats. Anyone stepping off the bus risked being shot.

A group of people I was a part of were in the middle of the road trying to look for a cover. We had really no place to hide. The two sides on our left or right were too steep to either climb the hill or jump down the paddy fields near the river banks. But a huge rock on one side of the road stood between us and the soldiers; it actually stood between our survival and death.

There were two of us left of the group - me and a boy who hunkered down behind me sharing the cover of the rock. I don’t know how long we stood there. But we could continuously listen to the rattle of gunfire. Many a time he would try to leave the place lured by his anger to throw stones at the government forces, but every time I held him back . There was no point in trying to be bold. We were, at the most, 30 meters away from the spot where several people had already been hit; bullets tearing though their bellies and chests.

When the firing stopped, I, along with dozens of other people, tried to get close to the spot where the firing had actually taken place. Nobody knew how many marchers had been hit. There was no count really. I could only see a trail of blood and a few pairs of shoes lying on the ground. On the other side, the soldiers remorselessly looked at the protestors collecting the dead and the wounded.

People, while carrying the injured, from the crowd were screaming, “this is my cousin,”…”that’s my friend’s brother”. It looked like a massacre. One of the young men who was hit several times was lying on the floor of a truck. He shouted, “I want to go home,”. His brother who sat next to him repeated, with tears rolling down his cheeks. “I want to go home too. We will. You just bet we will,”. Half an hour later, on way to Baramulla hospital, he lost both - the bet and his brother.

Between 2 and 3 p.m, nearly 15 people had been hit with bullets. By the time the dead and the injured had been evacuated, people again decided to march ahead. It was surprising that despite three men already shot dead and dozens wounded, people just didn’t stop. In my life I had never seen people marching directly into a hail of gunfire.

The slogans began roaring again, this time even louder. I could see fearless faces all around me. As hundreds started marching ahead, I heard a series of teargas blasts in quick succession. While I was running for cover, I found people behind me glued to the ground. They didn’t budge an inch. Suddenly, a rumble of gunshots followed. I scanned my body to see if I had been hit. My body was trembling. “This time it’s definitely a massacre”, I thought, because the intensity of the gunfire was enormous.

Minutes later, someone shouted from the crowd, “Sheikh Aziz has been hit with a bullet,”. All of a sudden, hundreds of people stepped out of the vehicles and began shouting “ shaheed ki jo mout hai, woh qaum ki hayat hai’, not knowing that Sheikh was still alive, and talking. Amid a dense cloud of dust and tear smoke, I could faintly see an injured Shiekh Aziz being lifted up into a truck that began racing towards me, dozens clinging to its sides and hundreds chasing it shouting “Sheikh Aziz ka kya farmaan, Kashmir banega Pakistan”.

I couldn’t believe myself. Moments earlier, I had seen him grabbing the hands of two young protestors each on either of his side and heard him saying, “We will march on. Let’s see how many more will they kill”. Honestly, I hadn’t seen him from so close ever before that. I could see no fear on his face. There was a strange seriousness on it.

What I could hear that moment was the cries of people carrying the dead and the injured. Yells, screams and slogans resonated in the air. Ambulances and trucks carrying the dead and injured raced away from the scene.

Till 5 p.m ,four sessions of targeted firing had passed. Four people had already died. And many more were injured. But still people didn’t give up. As the death toll reached five, rest of the valley was already on fire. In Baramulla town where the injured were initially referred for treatment, the rumors of more than a hundred marchers being killed had already broken backs. The situation had turned riot-like. Bunkers were flattened, vehicles burnt, and every single symbol that even remotely represented the idea of India was razed to the ground.

VEDIO OF 11th August: Muzaffarabad Challo (Come to Muzaffarabad

http://www.kbcchannel.tv/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=125&video_id=95
I came home that day. Emotionally exhausted but grateful - I had survived.

As I sit in my office writing this, I am haunted by a question. How could they shoot people like that. Just watch a crowd march on; sit in a firing position, wait, watch and fire.

About the author: Showkat Nanda is an Assistant Editor with Kashmir Life
More details: Kashmir Life :
http://www.kashmirlife.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1862:a-march-for-history&catid=69:history&Itemid=211:Vol. No: 3, Issue No: 23, August 20,2011

Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Editor "Wehdat-e-Milli"

2011-08-13T22:50:00.004+05:00

By: Sheikh Gulzaar

e-mail: gulzar@journalist.com, writerasia@in.com

The Special Operation Group of JK Police claimed to have eliminated the " acting chief" of the pro-Pakistan 'AL-Fatha Force' identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Lone @General Mossa' in an counter with the SOG. Even as none of the militant organisation said anything about the man or the incident, some of the some of the journalists here claimed that Mr. Lone was not a militant but "printer, publisher and editor of vernacular weekly " Wehdat-e-Milli". JK Police have recovered from his person an identity card which described the deceased as "printer, publisher & amp; editor " of the Urdu weekly.

Shaheed Mushtaq A. Lone

Official sources told local newspapers that in reaction militants attacks on joint camp of STF and Ikhwan between Onta Bhawan and Bilal Colony during the three proceeding nights, Special operation Group , Srinagar laid ambush yesterday evening which as maintained for several hours.Before five militants passed by the ambush and fell into the trap. A encounter took place between, the two sides during witch, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone @General Moosa" got killed and all of his accomplices managed to escape from the drag net. One AK -56 rifle and and a pouch was claimed to have recovered him.

A police press release said that 'Gen Mossa' was functioning as Supreme Cammander of AL-Fatha Force' in the absence of Tariq Aziz alias Zan-ul-Aabideen. It was further claimed that the top ranking militant had been instrumental in reactivating and re-organizing militancy in Kashmir and Udhampur after the installation of the democratic Government 'Gen. Mossa' was described as a Pakistani trained militant which attained training in handling of sophisticated weapons and crossed back 1991.Immediately he was made District Commander of Jehad Force which ultimately splintered into Al-Fatha Force in 1994", said the release. It adds that 'Mossa' was responsible for various activities including killings and attacks on Army, STF as also for organizing anti-election campaign in South Kashmir. " The deceased was also involved in killing of 21 Ikwanis, 34 Indian army jawans . He was also described as "an very important but 2nd in Command member of " Shoura-e-Jehad". Yet another statement from the department of Information Department said that Police had recovered " from the pocket of the deceased militant, Prees Card in the name of Mushtaq Ahmad Lone indicated him as printer, publisher and editor of "Wehdat-e-Milli."

A senior Information Department official, when contacted, confirmed that according to the records Mushtaq Ahmad Lone son of Mr. Ghulam Mohidin Lone, resident of Pathan Pulwama was the bonfire printer, publisher and editor of the Urdu weekly. A district Magistrate had confirmed the declaration after necessary verification about the antecedents of the deceased by JK Police and CID. Some journalist said that they knew the deceased as an editor for the last several years and claimed that he had never been militant.

Inspector General of Police , Kashmir Zone, Gpoal Sharma when contacted, said that Lone was the acting chief of the militant organisation and the same had been " confirmed properly”. Neither any militant organisation nor the press community here issued any statement about the man or the incident in which he was reported killed.

About the author: Sheikh Gulzaar is a editor with Writer-South Asia and can be contacted at: writerasia@in.com, gulzar@journalist.com

Mailing address: Writer- South Asia, POB 667 Srinagar SGR J&K 190001 (Via New Delhi-India)